WO2007001422A2 - Anticorps d'affinité élevée contre la hmgb1 et procédés d'utilisation - Google Patents

Anticorps d'affinité élevée contre la hmgb1 et procédés d'utilisation Download PDF

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WO2007001422A2
WO2007001422A2 PCT/US2005/037734 US2005037734W WO2007001422A2 WO 2007001422 A2 WO2007001422 A2 WO 2007001422A2 US 2005037734 W US2005037734 W US 2005037734W WO 2007001422 A2 WO2007001422 A2 WO 2007001422A2
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Prior art keywords
antibody
antibodies
hmgl
human
polypeptide
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PCT/US2005/037734
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WO2007001422A3 (fr
Inventor
Herren Wu
Christian B. Allan
Changshou Gao
Ling-Ling An
Peter Kiener
Su-Yau Mao
Anthony Coyle
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Medimmune, Inc.
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Priority to CA002585043A priority Critical patent/CA2585043A1/fr
Priority to EP05858252A priority patent/EP1812065A4/fr
Priority to CN2005800415460A priority patent/CN101132811B/zh
Priority to JP2007538027A priority patent/JP2008520552A/ja
Priority to AU2005333602A priority patent/AU2005333602B2/en
Publication of WO2007001422A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007001422A2/fr
Publication of WO2007001422A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007001422A3/fr

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K39/395—Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
    • C07K16/24—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against cytokines, lymphokines or interferons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P1/00—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system
    • A61P1/04—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system for ulcers, gastritis or reflux esophagitis, e.g. antacids, inhibitors of acid secretion, mucosal protectants
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P17/00—Drugs for dermatological disorders
    • A61P17/06—Antipsoriatics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P19/00—Drugs for skeletal disorders
    • A61P19/02—Drugs for skeletal disorders for joint disorders, e.g. arthritis, arthrosis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P29/00—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
    • A61P31/04—Antibacterial agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
    • A61P37/02—Immunomodulators
    • A61P37/06—Immunosuppressants, e.g. drugs for graft rejection
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/40—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against enzymes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K2039/505—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies comprising antibodies
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/20—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by taxonomic origin
    • C07K2317/21—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by taxonomic origin from primates, e.g. man
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/50—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments
    • C07K2317/55—Fab or Fab'
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/50—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments
    • C07K2317/56—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments variable (Fv) region, i.e. VH and/or VL
    • C07K2317/565—Complementarity determining region [CDR]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/70—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by effect upon binding to a cell or to an antigen
    • C07K2317/76—Antagonist effect on antigen, e.g. neutralization or inhibition of binding
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/90—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by (pharmaco)kinetic aspects or by stability of the immunoglobulin
    • C07K2317/92—Affinity (KD), association rate (Ka), dissociation rate (Kd) or EC50 value
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2319/00—Fusion polypeptide
    • C07K2319/30—Non-immunoglobulin-derived peptide or protein having an immunoglobulin constant or Fc region, or a fragment thereof, attached thereto
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
    • Y02A50/30—Against vector-borne diseases, e.g. mosquito-borne, fly-borne, tick-borne or waterborne diseases whose impact is exacerbated by climate change

Definitions

  • Inflammation is often induced by proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-Ia, IL-I ⁇ , IL-6, platelet-activating factor (PAF), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and other compounds.
  • TNF tumor necrosis factor
  • IL-Ia interleukin
  • IL-6 platelet-activating factor
  • MIF macrophage migration inhibitory factor
  • proinflammatory cytokines are produced by several different cell types, most importantly immune cells (for example, monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils), but also non-immune cells such as fibroblasts, osteoblasts, smooth muscle cells, epithelial cells, and neurons.
  • TNF tumor necrosis factor
  • IL-Ia interleukin
  • IL-6 platelet-activating factor
  • MIF macrophage migration inhibitory factor
  • proinflammatory cytokines are produced by several different cell types, most importantly immune cells (for example, monocytes,
  • Inflammatory cytokine cascades contribute to deleterious characteristics, including inflammation and apoptosis, of numerous disorders. Included are chronic and acute disorders characterized by both localized and systemic reactions, including, without ' limitation, diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract and associated tissues (such as appendicitis, peptic, gastric and duodenal ulcers, peritonitis, pancreatitis, ulcerative, pseudomembranous, acute and ischemic colitis, diverticulitis, epiglottitis, achalasia, cholangitis, cholecystitis, coeliac disease, hepatitis, Crohn's disease, enteritis, and Whipple's disease); systemic or local inflammatory diseases and conditions (such as asthma, allergy, anaphylactic shock, immune complex disease, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, organ necrosis, hay fever, sepsis, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cachexia, hyperpyrexia, eosin
  • HMGl high mobility group protein 1
  • HMG-I high mobility group protein 1
  • HMGl DNA-binds double-stranded DNA without sequence specificity
  • HMGl binding bends DNA to promote formation and stability of nucleoprotein complexes that facilitates gene transcription of, for example, glucocorticoid receptors and RAG recombinase.
  • the HMGl molecule has three domains: two DNA binding motifs termed HMG A and HMG B boxes, and an acidic carboxyl terminus.
  • the two HMG boxes are highly conserved 80 amino acid, L-shaped domains.
  • HMG boxes are also expressed in other transcription factors including the RNA polymerase I transcription factor human upstream-binding factor and lymphoid-specific factor.
  • HMGl serves as a competitive inhibitor of HMG proinflammatory action
  • HMG B box has the predominant proinflammatory activity of HMG (See, e.g., US20040005316).
  • HMGl has been demonstrated to be a long-searched-for nuclear danger signal passively released by necrotic, as opposed to apoptotic cells that will induce inflammation.
  • HMGl can be actively secreted by stimulated macrophages or monocytes in a process requiring acetylation of the molecule, which enables translocation from the nucleus to secretory lysosomes and results in the secretion of an acetylated form of HMGl. See, PCT/IB2003/005718.
  • HMGl passively released from necrotic cells and HMGBl actively secreted by inflammatory cells are molecularly different.
  • HMGl has been implicated as a cytokine mediator of delayed lethality in endotoxemia. See, e.g., U.S. patents 6,468,533 and 6,448,223. More specifically, it is been demonstrated that bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) activates monocytes/macrophages to release HMGl as a late response to activation, resulting in elevated serum HMGl levels that are toxic. Antibodies against HMGl have been shown to prevent lethality of endotoxin even when antibody administration is delayed until after the early cytokine response. Like other proinflammatory cytokines, HMGl is a potent activator of monocytes.
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • Extracellular HMGl acts as a potent mediator of the inflammatory cascade by signaling via the Receptor for Advanced Glycated End-products (RAGE) and via members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family. See, e.g., U.S. patent publication no. US20040053841.
  • RAGE Receptor for Advanced Glycated End-products
  • TLR Toll-like receptor
  • High mobility group protein 2 (HMG2) (also known as HMGB2 and HMG-2) is a close relative of HMGl that likely originated from gene duplication. It is present in many cell types and shares many if not all of the biochemical properties of HMGl (Bustin, 1999, MoI. Cell. Biol. 19, 5237 ⁇ -6 and Thomas et al., 2001, Trends Biochem. ScL 26, 167-74). Although HMG2 is less abundant and has a more restricted distribution than HMGl in adult mouse tissues, it is relatively abundant in the lymphoid organs, testis and lung where it may also play a role as a mediator of inflammation.
  • HMG2 High mobility group protein 2
  • HMG2 is also a significant target antigen of autoantibodies (e.g., perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) in a number of autoimmune diseases including, systemic rheumatic diseases (Uesugi et al., 1998, J Rheumatol. 25:703-9), ulcerative colitis (Sobajima et al., 1998, Clin Exp Immunol. 111 :402- 7) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Wittemann et al., 1990, Arthritis Rheum. 33:1378-83; Rosenberg et al., 2000, J Rheumatol. 27, 2489-93).
  • autoantibodies e.g., perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
  • HMGl and polypeptide fragments thereof have been shown modulate the activity of HMGl (e.g., proinflammatory activity), and the fact that modulating HMGl activity in humans may have profound therapeutic uses for many diseases and disorders
  • HMGl e.g., proinflammatory activity
  • modulating HMGl activity in humans may have profound therapeutic uses for many diseases and disorders
  • molecules that modulate the activity of HMG2 e.g., antibodies that specifically bind HMG2 and polypeptide fragments
  • the present invention is based in part on the discovery of high affinity antibodies that specifically bind HMGl (also referred herein as "HMGBl” ) and antigenic fragments thereof.
  • HMGl also referred herein as "HMGBl”
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are useful for many purposes, for example, as therapeutics against a wide range of inflammatory diseases and disorders such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, peritonitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, psoriasis, arthritis (e.g., psoriatic arthritis), anaphylactic shock, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, spinal cord injury and allograft rejection.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention are useful for diagnostic applications.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an HMGl polypeptide of a human or other animal, e.g., mammals and invertebrates.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising or alternatively consisting of a human HMGl polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2).
  • SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2 Full-length HMGl polypeptides of human and other animals are well known in the art (see, e.g., US20040005316; 6,468,533 and 6,448,223).
  • Human HMGBl amino acid sequence GenBank Ace. No. NP 002119)
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an HMG2 (also referred to herein as "HMGB2”) polypeptide of a human or other animal, e.g., mammals and invertebrates.
  • HMG2 also referred to herein as "HMGB2”
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising or alternatively consisting of a human HMG2 polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:21).
  • Full-length HMG2 polypeptides of human and other animals are well known in the art. See, e.g.JVIajumdar et al, 1991, Nucleic Acids Res. 19:6643; Shirakawa et al., 1992, J Biol Chem 267:6641-6645.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) either a HMGl A box or HMGl B box of a mammal (or other animals), preferably of a human HMGl polypeptide.
  • a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) either a HMGl A box or HMGl B box of a mammal (or other animals), preferably of a human HMGl polypeptide.
  • the amino acid sequences of HMGl A box and HMGl B box polypeptides of humans and other animals are highly conserved and are well known in the art (see, e.g., US20040005316; 6,468,533; 6,448,223, and US20040053841).
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) either a HMG2 A box or HMG2 B box of a mammal (or other animals), preferably of a human HMG2 polypeptide.
  • the amino acid sequences of HMG box polypeptides of humans and other animals are highly conserved and are well known in the art. See, e.g., Jantzen et al., 1990, Nature 344:830-6; Kolodrubetz 1990, Nucleic Acids ResA8:5565; Lmdet et al, 1993, Nucleic Acids Res. 21:2493-501 and Thomas et al., 2001, Trends Biochem ScL 26:167-74.
  • antibodies which specifically bind to an epitope comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) amino acid residues derived from both the A box and B box of HMGl and/or HMG2.
  • An epitope derived from amino acid residues derived from both the A box B box may be a linear polypeptide derived from the junction of the A and B boxes or may result from the three dimensional confirmation of a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues from both the A and B boxes.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind an antigenic HMGBl polypeptide fragment comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a polypeptide fragment of human HMGBl (or other animals).
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind an antigenic HMGB2 polypeptide fragment comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a polypeptide fragment of human HMGB2 (or other animals).
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention may specifically bind acetylated and/or non-acetylated HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof. It is also specifically contemplated that the high affinity antibodies of the invention may be able to distinguish between the two forms. It is also contemplated that the high affinity antibodies of the present invention may specifically bind acetylated and/or non- acetylated HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof. It is also specifically contemplated that the high affinity antibodies of the invention may be able to distinguish between the two forms.
  • antibodies that specifically bind HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof are humanized or human antibodies
  • antibodies that specifically bind HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof are humanized or human antibodies.
  • Another embodiment of present invention are antibodies that specifically bind HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof with a dissociation constant or K d (k 0ff fc 0 n) of less than 10 "5 M, or of less than 10 ⁇ 6 M, or of less than 10 "7 M, or of less than 10 ⁇ 8 M, or of less than 10 ⁇ 9 M, or of less than 10 "10 M, or of less than 10 "11 M, or of less than 10 "12 M, or of less than 10 "13 M.
  • K d K 0fff fc 0 n
  • Still another embodiment of present invention are antibodies that specifically bind HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof with a dissociation constant or K d (k off /k on ) of less than 10 "5 M, or of less than 10 ⁇ 6 M, or of less than 10 "7 M, or of less than 10 ⁇ 8 M, or of less than 10 "9 M, or of less than 10 "10 M, or of less than 10 "1 * M, or of less than 10 ⁇ 12 M, or of less than 10 "13 M.
  • K d dissociation constant
  • the antibody of the invention binds to HMGl and/or antigenic fragments thereof with a K 0S of less than IxIO "3 s "1 , or less than 3xlO ⁇ 3 s "1 .
  • the antibody binds to HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof with a K 0 ⁇ of less than 10 "3 s "1 , less than 5xlO '3 s “1 , less than 10 "4 s “1 , less than 5XlO “4 s “1 , less than 10 "5 s “1 , less than 5xlO “5 s “1 , less than 10 "6 s “1 , less than 5xlO “6 s “1 , less than 10 "7 s “1 , less than 5xlO “7 s “1 , less than 10 "8 s “1 , less than 5xlO “8 s “1 , less than 10 "9 s “1 , less than 5xlO “9 s “1 , or less than 10 "10 s “1 .
  • the antibody of the invention binds to HMG2 and/or antigenic fragments thereof with a K 0 ⁇ of less than IxIO "3 s "1 , or less than 3xlO "3 s "1 .
  • the antibody binds to HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof with a K 0S of less than 10 "3 s “1 , less than 5xlO “3 s “1 , less than 10 "4 s “1 , less than 5xlO “4 s “1 , less than 10 "5 s “1 , less than 5xlO “5 s “1 , less than 10 "6 s “1 , less than 5xlO “6 s “1 , less than 10 "7 s “1 , less than 5xlO “7 s “1 , less than 10 "8 s “1 , less than 5x10 “8 s “1 , less than 10 "9 s “1 , less than 5x10 “9 s “1 , or less than 10 "10 s “1 .
  • the antibody of the invention binds to HMGl and/or antigenic fragments thereof with an association rate constant or k on rate of at least 10 5 M -1 S "1 , at least 5 x 10 5 M -1 S “1 , at least 10 6 M -1 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 6 M -1 S “1 , at least 10 7 M -1 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 7 M -1 S “1 , or at least 10 8 M -1 S “1 , or at least 10 9 M -1 S "1 .
  • the antibody of the invention binds to HMG2 and/or antigenic fragments thereof with an association rate constant or k on rate of at least 10 5 M 4 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 5 M 4 S “1 , at least 10 6 M -1 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 6 M -1 S “1 , at least 1O 7 M -1 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 7 M 4 S “1 , or at least 10 8 M 4 S "1 , or at least 10 9 M 4 S 4 .
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention may specifically bind to HMGl and not bind to HMG2 or may specifically bind to HMG2 and not bind to HMGl . It is further contemplated that the high affinity antibodies of the invention may specifically bind to both HMGl and to HMG2 (e.g., an antibody that specifically recognized an epitope that is present in both HMGl and HMG2). It is contemplated that the high affinities antibodies of the invention may specifically bind either HMGl or HMG2 and cross-react with HMG2 or HMGl, respectively. It is further contemplated that the high affinity antibodies of the invention bind HMGl and HMG2 with either the same or different binding affinities.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention include, but are not limited to, synthetic antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, recombinantly produced antibodies, intrabodies, multispecific antibodies (including bi-specific antibodies), human antibodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, synthetic antibodies, single-chain Fvs (scFv), Fab fragments, F(ab') fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFv) (including bi-specific sdFvs), and anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies, and epitope-binding fragments of any of the above.
  • An additional nonexclusive embodiment of the present invention includes high affinity antibodies of the invention that have certain preferred biochemical characteristics such as a particular isoelectric point (pi) or melting tempeature (Tm).
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a pi ranging from 5.5 to 9.5.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a Tm ranging from about 65°C to about 120°C.
  • Specific embodiments of the invention also include particular antibodies (and fragments thereof) that specifically bind HMGl with high affinity which have been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209) and assigned ATCC Deposit Nos. PTA-6142 (Deposited August 4, 2004),
  • Antibodies having at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four at least five or at least 6 of the CDRs of the antibodies disclosed herein are specific embodiments of the invention (see, e.g., Figure 2A-J CDRs underlined and SEQ ID NOS: 74- 103).
  • Antibodies having at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or all six of the CDRs of the deposited antibodies are specific embodiments of the invention.
  • Isolated polynucleotides that encode these antibodies (and fragments thereof) are also contemplated embodiments of the invention.
  • any antibody that specifically binds the same epitope e.g., epitopes within the HMGl peptides 91-169 or 150-183 as the anti-HMGl antibodies disclosed herein are included within the invention.
  • an antibody that specifically binds the same epitope as the deposited antibodies are included within the invention. It is specifically contemplated that these antibodies will bind the same epitope as the deposited antibodies with at least equal affinity, or better affinity, or less affinity.
  • Isolated polynucleotides that encode these antibodies (and fragments thereof) are also specific embodiments of the invention.
  • compositions e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the high affinity antibodies of the present invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • compositions comprise high affinity antibodies of the invention that specifically bind to an A box of HMGl (e.g., an epitope within SEQ ID NOS: 3).
  • compositions comprise high affinity antibodies of the invention that specifically bind to a B box of HMGl (e.g., an epitope within SEQ ID NOS: 4, 28, 29).
  • compositions comprise high affinity antibodies of the invention that specifically bind to an epitope derived from both the A box and B box of HMGl and/or HMG2. It is also contemplated that compositions of the invention may comprise a combination of high affinity antibodies of the invention, for example a combination of antibodies that specifically bind to an A box and antibodies that specifically bind a B box.
  • compositions of the invention can comprise the high affinity antibodies of the present invention alone or in combination with other active therapeutic molecules and/or adjuvants such as steroids, other anti-inflammatory molecules, or other antibody therapeutics. More specifically, the compositions of the invention can comprise an antagonist of an early sepsis mediator.
  • the antagonist of an early sepsis mediator is in one embodiment, an antagonist of a cytokine selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL- l ⁇ , IL- l ⁇ , MIF and IL-6.
  • compositions described herein can inhibit a condition mediated or characterized by activation of an inflammatory cytokine cascade including both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than a control composition in an animal CLP sepsis model (e.g., mouse or piglet CLP model).
  • an animal CLP sepsis model e.g., mouse or piglet CLP model
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than a control composition in an animal arthritis model (e.g., rat AIA, mouse passive or active CIA models).
  • an animal arthritis model e.g., rat AIA, mouse passive or active CIA models.
  • the compositions described herein reduce bone loss and/or cartilage damage (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) more than a control composition in an animal arthritis model (e.g., rat AIA, mouse passive or active CIA models).
  • an animal arthritis model e.g., rat AIA, mouse passive or active CIA models.
  • the compositions described herein reduce bone loss and/or cartilage damage (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) more than a control composition in humans.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than Renbrel® (with or without methotrexate) in a rodent arthritis model.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than Enbrel® (with or without methotrexate) in humans.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than a control composition in a mouse peritonitis model.
  • Other contemplated embodiments of the present invention include methods of treating or preventing arthritis, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoclast-mediated diseases, or other inflammatory diseases of the joints comprising administering an antibody composition described herein.
  • the present invention includes methods of treating or preventing arthritis, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoclast-mediated diseases, or other inflammatory diseases comprising administering any antibody (or antibody composition) that specifically binds HMGl or antigenic fragment thereof (e.g., HMG B box) irregardless of the binding affinity of the antibody.
  • arthritis e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoclast-mediated diseases, or other inflammatory diseases
  • administering any antibody (or antibody composition) that specifically binds HMGl or antigenic fragment thereof (e.g., HMG B box) irregardless of the binding affinity of the antibody.
  • the present invention includes methods of treating or preventing arthritis, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoclast-mediated diseases, or other inflammatory diseases comprising administering any antibody (or antibody composition) that specifically binds HMG2 or antigenic fragment thereof (e.g., HMG B box) irregardless of the binding affinity of the antibody.
  • arthritis e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoclast-mediated diseases, or other inflammatory diseases
  • administering any antibody (or antibody composition) that specifically binds HMG2 or antigenic fragment thereof (e.g., HMG B box) irregardless of the binding affinity of the antibody.
  • the present invention includes methods of treating or preventing arthritis, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoclast-mediated diseases, or other inflammatory diseases comprising administering a combination of antibodies (or antibody composition) that specifically bind HMGl and/or HMG2 or antigenic fragment thereof (e.g., HMG B box) irregardless of the binding affinity of the antibody.
  • arthritis e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoclast-mediated diseases, or other inflammatory diseases
  • administering a combination of antibodies (or antibody composition) that specifically bind HMGl and/or HMG2 or antigenic fragment thereof (e.g., HMG B box) irregardless of the binding affinity of the antibody.
  • the compositions described herein ameliorate the severity of spinal cord injury (SCI) (by at least 10%, or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) more than a control composition in a human or a rodent SCI model.
  • SCI spinal cord injury
  • the invention is directed to methods of administering and using compositions and antibodies or the invention to treat and prevent a wide range of inflammatory conditions including both chronic and acute conditions, such as appendicitis, peptic, gastric and duodenal ulcers, peritonitis, pancreatitis, ulcerative, pseudomembranous, acute and ischemic colitis, diverticulitis, epiglottitis, achalasia, cholangitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, Crohn's disease, enteritis, Whipple's disease, asthma, allergy, anaphylactic shock, immune complex disease, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, organ necrosis, hay fever, sepsis, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cachexia, hyperpyrexia, eosinophilic granuloma, granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, septic abortion, epididymitis, vaginitis, prosta
  • the present invention is also directed to a method of inhibiting release of a proinflammatory cytokine from a mammalian cell.
  • the method comprises treating the cell with an antibody or antibody composition of the present invention in an amount sufficient to inhibit release of the proinflammatory cytokine from the cell, hi these embodiments, the cell is any cell capable of releasing a proinflammatory cytokine including but not limited to, peripheral blood monocytes and macrophages, hi addition, the proinflammatory cytokine maybe selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL-l ⁇ , IL-l ⁇ , MIF and IL-6.
  • the cell is a macrophage and the proinflammatory cytokine is selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL-l ⁇ , IL-l ⁇ , MIF and IL-6.
  • the methods are used to treat a cell in a patient suffering from, or at risk for, a condition characterized by activation of the inflammatory cytokine cascade. Specific conditions are enumerated herein.
  • the present invention is directed to a method of treating a condition in a patient characterized by activation of an inflammatory cytokine cascade.
  • the method comprises administering to the patient an antibody or an antibody composition of the present invention. Specific conditions have already been enumerated.
  • Figure 1 Alignment of human HMGl and HMG2. A Box is indicated by the solid underline; B Box is indicated by the dashed underline.
  • Figure 2. The Nucleotide and Corresponding Amino acid sequence of the variable regions of the heavy (V H ) and the light chains (V L ) of the Human anti-HMGl antibodies of the invention. Underlined: CDRs (Kabat definition).
  • SEQ ID NO.: 5-6 A) S2 V L (SEQ ID NO.: 5-6); B) S2 V H (SEQ ID NO.: 7-8); C) S6 V L (SEQ ID NO.: 9-10); D) S6 V H (SEQ ID NO.: 11-12); E) S16 V L (SEQ ID NO.: 13-14); F) S16 V H (SEQ ID NO.: 15-16); G) G4 V L (SEQ ID NO.: 17-18); H) G4 V H (SEQ ID NO.: 19-20); I) El 1 V L (SEQ ID NO.: 24-25); and J) EU V H (SEQ ID NO.: 26-27).
  • SEQ ID NOS. refer to the amino acid and nucleotide sequences, see Table 3 for more detail.
  • FIG. 3 Physical Characteristics of Human anti-HMBl Antibodies
  • IEF Isoelectric focusing
  • DSC Differential scanning calorimetry
  • FIG. 1 Binding Kinetics and Specificity of Human anti-HMGl Antibodies.
  • Panel A The binding curves from an HMGl capture ELISA for several of the human anti- HMGl ' antibodies demonstrating that the antibodies have differing affinities for E. coli produced recombinant HMGl.
  • Panel B The binding curves from an HMGl capture ELISA for several human anti-HMGl antibodies comparing the capture of recombinant HMGl (left) and native nuclear HMGl (right) indicate that S16 and G4 bind both forms of HMGl while S2, S6 and SlO bind better to recombinant HMGl than to native nuclear HMGl .
  • Panel C The binding curves from an HMGl capture ELISA for several human anti-HMGl antibodies comparing the capture of native nuclear, necrotic and activated HMGl indicate that S 6 and to a lesser extent G4 bind with differing affinities to the various forms while S16 does not.
  • Panel D The binding curves from capture ELISA assays performed for several human anti- HMGl antibodies comparing two different capture formats, immobilized antibody (squares) and immobilized HMGl (triangles), indicate that El l and to a lesser extent S 17 have a higher affinity for soluble HMGl while G2, G4, G9 and Gl 2 showed little difference in binding to immobilized or soluble HMGl .
  • Panel E ELISA data showing the relative binding affinity of several human anti-HMGl antibodies for HMGl and HMG2 indicated that most of the antibodies tested (G2, G4, G9, G12, S3, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S14 and S17) are specific for HMGl while S 12 and S 16 exhibit some binding to both HMGl and HMG2 and El l appears to have a higher binding affinity for HMG2 in this assay.
  • the data from these assays and others not shown are summarized in Table 1.
  • FIG. 5 HMGl B Box Epitope Mapping Studies. The binding curves from HMGl B Box peptide ELISAs for several human anti-HMGl antibodies are shown. The curves indicate that S12, S16 and G4 bind to HMGl peptide 91-169 (Panel A). S12 also binds to HMGl peptide 150-183 (Panel B). The remaining antibodies tested (S2, S6, SlO, G2 and G9) do not bind either of the HMGl B Box peptides tested in this assay.
  • FIG. 6 Many Human anti-HMGl Antibodies Inhibit HMGl Stimulated Cytokine Release From Human PBMCs.
  • Representative dose response curves of recombinant HMGl stimulated IL-IB, IL-6 and TNF-a release inhibition activity for several human anti-HMGl antibodies (G9, S14, G20, S2, S6 and S17) are shown in Panel A. The results were plotted both as pg/ml of cytokine released (top graphs) and as percent inhibition (bottom graphs).
  • Dose response curves of recombinant HMGl stimulated IL-6 release inhibition for several additional human anti-HMGl antibodies (G4, S6, S16 and S6+S16) and for a RAGE-Fc fusion protein are shown in Panel B.
  • Representative dose response curves of native activated HMGl stimulated IL-6 cytokine release inhibition for El 1, S13, S16, S17, G4, G9, S6, RAGE-Fc and A box fusion proteins are shown in Panel C.
  • the IC 50 values calculated from these data and other data not shown are summarized in Table 1.
  • FIG. 7 Several Human anti-HMGl Antibodies Inhibit HMGl Stimulated Cytokine Gene Expression In Mouse Macrophages (mM0). The relative gene expression of IL- l ⁇ (left) or TNF-a (right) are shown for mouse macrophages treated with buffer, recombinant HMGl (E-HMGBl) alone, and the combinantion of E-HMGBl plus a human isotype control (HuIgG), human anti-HMGl antibodies (El 1, G2, G4, S 6 and oligoclonal) as well as mouse and human RAGE -Fc fusion proteins.
  • E-HMGBl recombinant HMGl
  • Human isotype control Human anti-HMGl antibodies
  • El 1, G2, G4, S 6 and oligoclonal mouse and human RAGE -Fc fusion proteins.
  • FIG. 8 A Subset of Human anti-HMGl Antibodies Block the Binding of recombinant HMGl to RAGE.
  • An ELISA based binding assay was used to measure the binding of HMGl to a RAGE-Ig fusion. The percent inhibition for a number of human anti- HMGl antibodies is shown.
  • G2, G4, SlO, Sl 6, S2 and S6 show significant ability to block the binding of HMGl to RAGE while El 1, G12, G16, G20, G34, G9, oligoclonal, S12, S14 and S17 do not.
  • FIG. 1 TLR4 Activation Is Partially Blocked by El 1.
  • HMGl induced TLR4 activation was measured using a cell based luciferase reporter system. The total luciferase activity for cells treated with media alone, recombinant HMGl (rHMGB) alone and the combination of rHMGB plus S2, El 1, S6, G4, S 14 or polyclonal antibody is shown. El 1 showed significant ability to block HMGl induced TLR4 activation.
  • Figure 10 Inhibition of Recombinant HMGl to Thp-1 Cells. Representative dose response curves showing inhibition of recombinant HMGl binding to Thp-1 cells by El l, G2 and a RAGE-Fc fusion protein are shown. The IC 50 values calculated from these data and other data not shown are summarized in Table 1.
  • Figure 11. Human Anti-HMGl Antibodies Are Protective in a Mouse CLP Model of Sepsis. Show are representative survival curves from the mouse CLP model of sepsis comparing treatment with either human anti-HMGl antibodies or a human isotype control antibody (R3-47). G4 (Panels A and B), S16 (Panels A and D), S6 (Panel C), El 1 and the oligoclonal (both Panel D) anti-HMGl antibodies are able to improve survival by up to 60%.
  • HMGl Levels are Upregulated in Several Models of Inflammatory Disease.
  • the level of HMGl present in fore paws harvested at day 10 from untreated passive CIA mice was seen to increase by at least 10 fold over that present in normal mice (panel A).
  • the relative gene expression level of HMGB 1 , RAGE, TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 was seen to rise in the hind paws (right) while only HMGBl, RAGE and TLR2 were seen to increase in the fore paws (left) of joints from untreated active CIA mice (both Panel B).
  • IL-Ib, IL-6 and TNF-a The relative gene expression level of IL-Ib, IL-6 and TNF-a was seen to rise in both the hind (plot) and fore paws (plot) of joints from untreated active CIA mice (both Panel C).
  • the levels of HMBGl, IL-IB and TNF-a present in the serum of animals challenged with S.
  • HMGBl levels in BAL fluid from ALI mice increase to over 16 ng/ml within 50 hr post LPS administration with the most dramatic rise starting at about 26 hrs (left) correlating with the maximum increase in the total number of cells seen in BAL fluid (right) (both Panel F).
  • HMBGl top left and IL-6 (bottom left) present in ankle joints of AIA rats after treatment with PBS, human isotype control (HuIgG), the anti-HMGl antibody G4, the HMGl A-box-Fc fusion protein, Methyltrexate (MTX), MTX + HuIgG, MTX + Renbrel, and MTX + G4. Also shown are the levels of TNF-a (top right) present in the ankle joints of AIA rats after treatment with HuIgG, G4, or MTXfHuIgG.
  • FIG. 14 Human Anti-HMGl Antibodies are Protective in a Passive CIA Mouse Model of Arthritis.
  • Experiment 2 (Panel A) the paw inflammation scores over time for passive CIA mice treated with PBS, Renbrel or G4 (right) and for treatment with PBS, G4 or an isotype control antibody (left).
  • Experiment 3 (Panel B) the paw inflammation scores over time for passive CIA mice treated with with PBS, G4 or an isotype control antibody. The clinical scores for normal mice were also tracked and plotted for both studies. Both experiments demonstrate that the G4 human anti-HMGl antibody is able to protect against inflammation in this model, hi Experiment 2, G4 demonstrated better efficacy than Renbrel.
  • FIG. 15 Human Anti-HMGl Antibodies are Protective in a Active CIA Mouse Model of Arthritis.
  • the paw inflammation scores over time for active CIA mice treated with PBS, an isotype control antibody or G4 (left graph) and for active CIA mice treated with PBS or Renbrel (right graph) are shown in panel A.
  • the relative body weight plotted over time for the isotype control and G4 antibody treatment groups is shown in panel B. Also plotted on all panels are the scores for PBS treated and normal mice.
  • the G4 human anti-HMGl antibody showed better protection against both inflammation and weight loss in this model than Renbrel.
  • FIG. 16 Human Anti-HMGl Antibodies are Protective in an AIA Rat Model of Arthritis. Paw inflammation scores were plotted over time for AIA rats treated with PBS, an isotype control antibody or G4 (left) and for CIA mice treated with PBS or Renbrel (right) (both Panel A, also see Panel B)demonstrated that the G4 anti-HMGl antibody is able to reduce paw inflammation scores by about 35% over the PBS control while Renbrel alone only reduced paw inflammation by 25% over the PBS control in this model (Panel A).
  • paw inflammation scores were plotted over time for AIA rats treat with combinations of methotrexate and a second reagent (isotype control, G4 or Renbrel) (Panel 16B) demonstrated that combination of MTX and G4 was even more effective than both G4 alone and the MTX/Renbrel combination.
  • Treatment with MTX and G4 reduced the paw inflammation scores to near normal (Panel B).
  • the paw inflammation scores for treatment with an HMGl A-box-Fc fusion protein which was less effective then G4 alone.
  • FIG. 17 Human Anti-HMGl Antibodies Are Protective in a Mouse Model of Peritonitis. The percent survival over a 96 hour time course in mice challenged with heat inactivated S. aureus to induce peritonitis shows that G4 improves survival by nearly 30% over mice treated with either PBS or an isotype control (R347) (Panel A). Antibody was administered at time —30 minutes (star) S. aureus challenge was administered at time 0 minutes (triangle). [0072] Figure 18. Human Anti-HMGl Antibodies Are Protective in a Mouse Model of Acute Lung Injury (ALI).
  • ALI Human Anti-HMGl Antibodies are Protective in a Mouse Model of Acute Lung Injury
  • MS Sclerosis
  • the present invention is based in part of the discovery of antibodies that specifically bind HMGl (also referred to herein as "HMGBl”) and antigenic fragments thereof which exhibit certain biochemical, binding, and functional characteristics.
  • the antibodies that specifically bind HMGl are specifically referred to herein as “high affinity antibodies of the invention,” “high affinity antibodies” and are also encompassed by the more expansive terms “antibodies of the invention,” “anti-HMGl antibodies” and simply “HMG antibodies,” as well as like terms.
  • the present invention is also based in part by the discovery of antibodies that bind both HMGl and HMG2.
  • the biochemical characteristics of the antibodies of the invention include but are not limited to, isoelectric point (pi) and melting temperature (T 1n ).
  • the binding characteristics of the antibodies of the invention include, but are not limited to, binding specificity, dissociation constant (K d ), epitope, ability to distinguish between various forms and/or preparations of HMGl (e.g., recombinant, native, acetylated) and ability to bind soluble and/or immobilized antigen.
  • the functional characteristics of the antibodies of the present invention include, but are not limited to, inhibition of HMGl -induced cytokine release, inhibition of HMGl binding to one or more receptor, inhibition of HMGl binding to the cell surface and protection in one or more model of inflammatory disease (e.g., sepsis, arthritis, acute lung injury, peritonitis).
  • inflammatory disease e.g., sepsis, arthritis, acute lung injury, peritonitis.
  • the antibodies of the invention and compositions comprising the same are useful for many purposes, for example, as therapeutics against a wide range of chronic and acute inflammatory diseases and disorders including, but not limited to, sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, peritonitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, psoriasis, arthritis (e.g., psoriatic arthritis), anaphylactic shock, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, spinal cord injury and allograft rejection.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention are useful for diagnostic applications.
  • Antibodies of the present invention may be used, for example, but not limited to, to purify, detect, and target the HMGl and/or HMG2 polypeptides of the present invention, including both in vitro and in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
  • the antibodies have use in immunoassays for qualitatively and quantitatively measuring levels of the HMGl and/or HMG2 polypeptides of the present invention in biological samples. See, e.g., Harlow et si., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2nd ed. 1988).
  • High affinity antibodies or fragments thereof that "specifically bind to HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof as used herein refers to, for example, high affinity antibodies or fragments thereof that specifically bind to an HMGl polypeptide or a fragment of an HMGl polypeptide (e.g., HMGl A box and HMGl B Box) or an epitope of an HMGl polypeptide (as determined by immunoassays well known in the art for assaying specific antibody-antigen binding) and do not specifically bind to other polypeptides.
  • high affinity antibodies or fragments that specifically bind to an HMGl polypeptide or fragment thereof do not non-specifically cross-react with other antigens (e.g., binding cannot be competed away with a non-HMGl protein, e.g., BSA).
  • the present invention also encompasses high affinity antibodies or fragments thereof that specifically bind to an HMG2 polypeptide or fragment of an HMG2 polypeptide (e.g. HMG2 A box and HMG2 B Box) or an antigenic fragment of an HMG2 polypeptide.
  • HMGl and HMG2 while being distinct proteins do have regions of homology (see, Figure 1). Accordingly, it is contemplated that high affinity antibodies or fragments thereof may specifically bind to HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof and not bind to HMG2 or antigenic fragments thereof. It is further contemplated that high affinity antibodies or fragments thereof may specifically bind to HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof and not bind to HMGl or antigenic fragments thereof. It is further contemplated that the high affinity antibodies of the invention may specifically bind an epitope that is common to both HMGl and to HMG2.
  • a common epitope maybe identical in both HMGl and HMG2, in such a case the amino acid sequence comprising the epitope is identical in HMGl and HMG2. Accordingly, the high affinity antibodies of the invention may specifically bind to both HMGl and to HMG2 (e.g., an antibody that specifically recognized a identical epitope that is present in both HMGl and HMG2). Alternatively, a common epitope maybe similar in both HMGl and HMG2. For example, a similar epitope may share significant homology (e.g., 60%-99% identity) and/or adopt a similar three dimensional conformation between between HMGl and HMG2 such that a high affinity antibody of the present invention will cross-react with the shared epitope.
  • significant homology e.g., 60%-99% identity
  • the high affinities antibodies of the invention may specifically bind either HMGl or HMG2 and cross-react with HMG2 or HMGl, respectively.
  • a high affinity antibody of the present invention may have differing affinities for a similar epitope present on HMGl and HMG2. Accordingly, it is further contemplated that the high affinity antibodies of the invention bind HMGl and HMG2 with either the same or different binding affinities. Li a specific embodiment, high affinity antibodies or fragments thereof specifically bind HMGl and/or HMG2 over other antigens.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an A box of HMGl and/or HMG2 (e.g., SEQ ID NOS. 3 and 22, respectively).
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a B box of HMGl and/or HMG2 (e.g., SEQ ID NOS. 4 and 23, respectively).
  • antibodies which specifically bind to an epitope comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) amino acid residues derived from both the A box and B box of HMGl and/or HMG2.
  • An epitope derived from amino acid residues derived from both the A box B box may be a linear polypeptide derived from the junction of the A and B boxes or may result from the three dimensional confirmation of a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues from both the A and B boxes.
  • the present invention also specifically encompasses antibodies with multiple specificities (e.g., an antibody with specificity for two or more discrete antigens (reviewed in Cao et al., 2003, Adv Drug Deliv Rev 55:171; Hudson et al., 2003, Nat Med 1:129)).
  • bispecific antibodies contain two different binding specificities fused together. In the simplest case a bispecific antibody would bind to two adjacent epitopes on a single target antigen, such an antibody would not cross-react with other antigens (as described supra).
  • bispecific antibodies can bind to two different antigens, such an antibody specifically binds to two different molecules (e.g., HMGl and HMG2) but not to other unrelated molecules (e.g.,. BSA).
  • an antibody that specifically binds HMGl and/or HMG2 may cross-react with related HMG proteins.
  • HMGl and/or HMG2 "fragments" described herein include an HMGl and/or HMG2 peptide or polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an amino acid sequence of at least 5 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 10 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 15 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 20 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 25 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 40 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 50 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 60 contiguous amino residues, at least 70 contiguous amino acid residues, at least contiguous 80 amino acid residues, at least contiguous 90 amino acid residues, at least contiguous 100 amino acid residues, at least contiguous 125 amino acid residues, at least 150 contiguous amino acid residues, at least contiguous 175 amino acid residues, at least contiguous 200 amino acid residues, or at least contiguous 250 amino acid residues of the amino acid sequence
  • HMGl and/or HMG2 "fragments" described herein also specifically include polypeptides comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an amino acid sequence of at least 5 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 10 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 15 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 20 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 25 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 40 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 50 contiguous amino acid residues, at least 60 contiguous amino residues, at least 70 contiguous amino acid residues, or at least contiguous 80 amino acid residues of an HMG A (e.g., a human HMGl and/or HMG2 A box) box or an HMG B (e.g., a human HMGl and/or HMG2 B box) box.
  • HMG A e.g., a human HMGl and/or HMG2 A box
  • HMG B e.g., a human HMGl and/or
  • High affinity antibodies include, but are not limited to, synthetic antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, recombinantly produced antibodies, intrabodies, multispecific antibodies (including bi- specific antibodies), human antibodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, synthetic antibodies, single-chain Fvs (scFv), Fab fragments, F(ab') fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFv) (including bi-specific sdFvs), and anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies, and epitope- binding fragments of any of the above.
  • synthetic antibodies monoclonal antibodies, recombinantly produced antibodies, intrabodies, multispecific antibodies (including bi- specific antibodies), human antibodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, synthetic antibodies, single-chain Fvs (scFv), Fab fragments, F(ab') fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFv) (including bi-specific sdFvs), and anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies,
  • the antibodies of the present invention may be monospecific, bispecific, trispecif ⁇ c or of greater multispecif ⁇ city.
  • Multispecific antibodies may be specific for different epitopes of a polypeptide of the present invention or may be specific for both a polypeptide of the present invention as well as for a heterologous epitope, such as a heterologous polypeptide or solid support material.
  • a heterologous epitope such as a heterologous polypeptide or solid support material.
  • Multispecific antibodies have binding specificities for at least two different antigens. While such molecules normally will only bind two antigens (i.e. bispecific antibodies, BsAbs), antibodies with additional specificities such as trispecific antibodies are encompassed by the instant invention.
  • BsAbs include without limitation those with one arm directed against an HMGl and/or HMG2 epitope and the other arm directed against any other antigen.
  • Methods for making bispecific antibodies are known in the art. Traditional production of full-length bispecific antibodies is based on the coexpression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs, where the two chains have different specificities (Millstein et al.,1983, Nature, 305:537-539).
  • antibody variable domains with the desired binding specificities are fused to immunoglobulin constant domain sequences.
  • the fusion preferably is with an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant domain, comprising at least part of the hinge, CH2, and CH3 regions. It is preferred to have the first heavy-chain constant region (CHl) containing the site necessary for light chain binding, present in at least one of the fusions.
  • DNAs encoding the immunoglobulin heavy chain fusions and, if desired, the immunoglobulin light chain are inserted into separate expression vectors, and are co-transfected into a suitable host organism.
  • the bispecific antibodies are composed of a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain with a first binding specificity in one arm (e.g., an HMGl and/or HMG2 epitope such as the A-box, B-box), and a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pair (providing a second binding specificity) in the other arm.
  • a first binding specificity e.g., an HMGl and/or HMG2 epitope such as the A-box, B-box
  • a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pair providing a second binding specificity
  • a pair of antibody molecules can be engineered to maximize the percentage of heterodimers which are recovered from recombinant cell culture.
  • the preferred interface comprises at least a part of the CH3 domain of an antibody constant domain.
  • one or more small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first antibody molecule are replaced with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan).
  • Compensatory "cavities" of identical or similar size to the large side chain(s) are created on the interface of the second antibody molecule by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine). This provides a mechanism for increasing the yield of the heterodimer over other unwanted end- products such as homodimers.
  • Bispecific antibodies include cross-linked or "heteroconjugate" antibodies.
  • one of the antibodies in the heteroconjugate can be coupled to avidin, the other to biotin.
  • Such antibodies have, for example, been proposed to target immune system cells to unwanted cells (U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980), and for treatment of HIV infection (WO 91/00360, WO 92/200373, and EP 03089)
  • Heteroconjugate antibodies may be made using any convenient cross-linking methods. Suitable cross-linking agents are well known in the art, and are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980, along with a number of cross-linking techniques.
  • Antibodies with more than two valencies incorporating at least one hinge modification of the invention are contemplated.
  • trispecific antibodies can be prepared. See, e.g., Tutt et al. J. Immunol. 147: 60 (1991).
  • oligoclonal antibodies refers to a predetermined mixture of distinct monoclonal antibodies. Methods for generating oligoclonal antibodies are known in the art. See, e.g., “Examples Section", example 1, PCT publication WO 95/20401; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,789,208 and 6,335,163.
  • oligoclonal antibodies consist of a predetermined mixture of antibodies against one or more epitopes are generated in a single cell, hi other embodiments, oligoclonal antibodies comprise a plurality of heavy chains capable of pairing with a common light chain to generate antibodies with multiple specificities (e.g., PCT publication WO 04/009618). Oligoclonal antibodies are particularly useful when it is desired to target multiple epitopes on a single target molecule (e.g., HMGl).
  • a single target molecule e.g., HMGl
  • antibodies of the present invention include immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site that specifically binds to an HMGl antigen (e.g., one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-HMGl antibody).
  • immunoglobulin molecules i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site that specifically binds to an HMGl antigen (e.g., one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-HMGl antibody).
  • CDRs complementarity determining regions
  • the antibodies of the present invention include immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site that specifically binds to an HMG2 antigen (e.g., one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-HMG2 antibody).
  • the immunoglobulin molecules of the invention can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY), class (e.g., IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgAl and IgA2) or subclass of immunoglobulin molecule.
  • Immunoglobulins may have both a heavy and light chain.
  • An array of IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, and IgY heavy chains may be paired with a light chain of the kappa or lambda forms.
  • the antibodies of the invention also encompass immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active fragments of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site, these fragments may or may not be fused to another immunoglobulin domain including but not limited to, an Fc region or fragment thereof.
  • immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active fragments of immunoglobulin molecules i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site, these fragments may or may not be fused to another immunoglobulin domain including but not limited to, an Fc region or fragment thereof.
  • the terms "antibody” and “antibodies” include the antibodies which specifically bind HMGl and/or HMG2 described herein, full length antibodies and Fc variants thereof comprising Fc regions, or fragments thereof, comprising at least one novel amino acid residue described herein fused to an immunologically active fragment of an immunoglobulin or to other proteins as described herein.
  • Such variant Fc fusions include but are not limited to, scFv-Fc fusions, variable region (e.g., VL and VH) -Fc fusions, scFv- scFv-Fc fusions.
  • Immunoglobulin molecules can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY), class (e.g., IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgAl and IgA2) or subclass.
  • Antibodies of the present invention also encompass antibodies that have half- lives (e.g., serum half-lives) in a mammal, (e.g., a human), of greater than 5 days, greater than 10 days, greater than 15 days, greater than 20 days, greater than 25 days, greater than 30 days, greater than 35 days, greater than 40 days, greater than 45 days, greater than 2 months, greater than 3 months, greater than 4 months, or greater than 5 months.
  • half- lives e.g., serum half-lives
  • the increased half- lives of the antibodies of the present invention in a mammal results in a higher serum titer of said antibodies or antibody fragments in the mammal, and thus, reduces the frequency of the administration of said antibodies or antibody fragments and/or reduces the concentration of said antibodies or antibody fragments to be administered.
  • Antibodies having increased in vivo half-lives can be generated by techniques known to those of skill in the art. For example, antibodies with increased in vivo half-lives can be generated by modifying (e.g., substituting, deleting or adding) amino acid residues identified as involved in the interaction between the Fc domain and the FcRn receptor (see, e.g., International Publication Nos. WO 97/34631 ; WO 04/029207; U.S. 6,737056 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0190311 and discussed in more detail below).
  • the antibodies of the invention may comprise modifications/substations and/or novel amino acids within their Fc domains such as, for example, those disclosed in Ghetie et al., 1997, Nat Biotech. 15:637-40; Duncan et al, 1988, Nature 332:563-564; Lund et al., 1991, J. Immunol 147:2657-2662; Lund et al, 1992, MoI Immunol 29:53-59; Alegre et al, 1994, Transplantation 57:1537-1543; Hutchins et al., 1995, Proc Natl.
  • Antibodies of the invention comprising modifications/substations and/or novel amino acid residues in their Fc regions can be generated by numerous methods well known to one skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples include, isolating antibody coding regions (e.g., from hybridoma) and making one or more desired substitutions in the Fc region of the isolated antibody coding region. Alternatively, the variable regions of an antibody of the invention may be subcloned into a vector encoding an Fc region comprising one or modifications/substations and/or novel amino acid residues.
  • Antibodies of the invention may also be modified to alter glycosylation, again to alter one or more functional properties of the antibody.
  • the glycosylation of the antibodies of the invention is modified.
  • an aglycosylated antibody can be made ⁇ i.e., the antibody lacks glycosylation).
  • Glycosylation can be altered to, for example, increase the affinity of the antibody for a target antigen.
  • Such carbohydrate modifications can be accomplished by, for example, altering one or more sites of glycosylation within the antibody sequence.
  • one or more amino acid substitutions can be made that result in elimination of one or more variable region framework glycosylation sites to thereby eliminate glycosylation at that site.
  • Such aglycosylation may increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen.
  • Such an approach is described in further detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,714,350 and 6,350,861.
  • an antibody of the invention can be made that has an altered type of glycosylation, such as a hypofucosylated antibody having reduced amounts of fucosyl residues or an antibody having increased bisecting GIcNAc structures.
  • Such altered glycosylation patterns have been demonstrated to increase the ADCC ability of antibodies.
  • Such carbohydrate modifications can be accomplished by, for example, expressing the antibody in a host cell with altered glycosylation machinery. Cells with altered glycosylation machinery have been described in the art and can be used as host cells in which to express recombinant antibodies of the invention to thereby produce an antibody with altered glycosylation. See, for example, Shields, R.L. et al. (2002) J Biol. Chem. 277:26733-26740; Umana et al. (1999) Nat. Biotech. 17:176-1, as well as, European Patent No: EP 1,176,195; PCT Publications WO 03/035835; WO 99/54342.
  • the antibodies of the present invention may be used either alone or in combination with other compositions.
  • the antibodies may further be recombinantly fused to a heterologous polypeptide at the N- or C-terminus or chemically conjugated (including covalent and non-covalent conjugations) to polypeptides or other compositions.
  • antibodies of the present invention may be recombinantly fused or conjugated to molecules useful as labels in detection assays and effector molecules such as heterologous polypeptides, drugs, radionuclides, or toxins. See, e.g., PCT publications WO 92/08495; WO 91/14438; WO 89/12624; U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,995; and EP 396,387.
  • the antibodies of the invention include derivatives that are modified, i.e., by the covalent attachment of any type of molecule to the antibody such that covalent attachment does not prevent the antibody from binding an HMGl and/or HMG2 polypeptide or fragment thereof and/or generating a desired response.
  • the antibody derivatives include antibodies that have been modified, e.g., by glycosylation, acetylation, pegylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage to a cellular ligand or other protein, etc.
  • any of numerous chemical modifications may be carried out by known techniques, including, but not limited to specific chemical cleavage, acetylation, formylation, metabolic synthesis of tunicamycin, etc. Additionally, the derivative may contain one or more non- classical amino acids. See below, Section 5.5 entitled “Antibody Derivitives and Conjugates.”
  • Antibodies of the present invention may also be described or specified in terms of their cross-reactivity. Antibodies that do not bind any other analog, ortholog, or homolog of a polypeptide of the present invention are included. Antibodies that bind polypeptides (and polypeptide fragments) with at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%, at least 65%, at least 60%, at least 55%, and at least 50% identity (as calculated using methods known in the art and described herein) to a human HMGl polypeptide (e.g., a human HMGl A box or B box) of the present invention are also included in the present invention.
  • a human HMGl polypeptide e.g., a human HMGl A box or B box
  • antibodies of the present invention cross-react with murine, rat and/or rabbit homologs of human HMGl proteins and the corresponding epitopes thereof.
  • antibodies that bind to a human HMG2 polypeptide or fragment thereof may cross-react with murine, rat and/or rabbit homologs of human HMGl proteins and the corresponding epitopes thereof.
  • Antibodies that do not bind polypeptides with less than 95%, less than 90%, less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, and less than 50% identity (as calculated using methods known in the art and described herein) to an HMGl and/or HMG2 polypeptide of the present invention are also included in the present invention.
  • antibodies or fragments thereof that specifically bind to an HMGl polypeptide or fragment thereof prevent/antagonize/inhibit one or more of the following: HMGBl binding to RAGE, HMGBl binding to one or more Toll-like receptor (e.g., TLR2 and TLR4), HMGBl binding to a cell surface (e.g., a THP-I cell), HMGl- mediated release of proinflammatory cytokines, HMGl -mediated inflammation, HMGl- mediated sepsis, HMGl -mediated inflammation (e.g., of joints), and HMGl -mediated arthritis.
  • TLR2 and TLR4 Toll-like receptor
  • HMGBl binding to a cell surface e.g., a THP-I cell
  • HMGl- mediated release of proinflammatory cytokines HMGl -mediated inflammation
  • HMGl- mediated sepsis HMGl -mediated inflammation
  • HMGl -mediated inflammation e.g., of
  • inhibitor concentration 50% represents the concentration of an inhibitor (e.g., an antibody of the invention) that is required for 50% inhibition of a given activity of the molecule the inhibitor targets (e.g., HMGl). It will be understood by one in the art that a lower IC 50 value corresponds to a more potent inhibitor.
  • the antibodies of the invention inhibit HMGl -mediated release of proinflammatory cytokines with an IC 50 of less than 5000 ng/ml, or of less than 4000 ng/ml, or of less than 3000 ng/ml, or of less than 2000 ng/ml, or of less than 1000 ng/ml, or of less than 500 ng/ml, or of less than 250 ng/ml, or of less than 100 ng/ml, or of less than 50 ng/ml, or of less than 10 ng/ml, or of less than 5 ng/ml.
  • the antibodies of the invention inhibit HMGl -mediated release of proinflammatory cytokines with an IC 50 of less than 1000 nM, or of less than 500 nM, or of less than 250 nM, or of less than 100 nM, or of less than 50 nM, or of less than 25 nM, or of less than 10 nM, or of less than 5 nM, or of less than 0.25 nM, or of less than 0.1 nM, or of less than 0.01 nM.
  • the antibodies of the invention prevent/antagonize/inhibit the binding of HMGl to RAGE, but does not substantially affect the binding of HMGl to one or more of the Toll-like receptors (e.g., TLR2 and TLR4).
  • TLR2 and TLR4 the Toll-like receptors
  • the antibodies of the invention prevent/antagonize/inhibit the binding of HMGl to one or more of the Toll-like receptors (e.g., TLR2 and TLR4), but does not substantially affect the binding of HMGl to RAGE, hi still another embodiment, the antibodies of the invention prevent/antagonize/inhibit the binding of HMGl to RAGE and inhibit the binding of HMGl to one or more of the Toll-like receptors (e.g., TLR2 and TLR4). These activities may be assayed by one or many known methods in the art. See, e.g., US20040005316, 6,468,533 and 6,448,223, and Section 6 entitled "Examples" infra.
  • the antibodies of the invention inhibit the binding of HMGl to RAGE by at least about 10%, or by at least about 20%, or by at least about 30%, or by at least about 40%, or by at least about 50%, or by at least about 60%, or by at least about 70%, or by at least about 80%, or by at least about 90%, or by about 100%.
  • the antibodies of the invention inhibit the binding of HMGl to one or more of the Toll-like receptors (e.g., TLR2 and TLR4) by at least 10%, or by at least 20%, or by at least 30%, or by at least 40%, or by at least 50%, or by at least 60%, or by at least 70%, or by at least 80%, or by at least 90%, or by 100%.
  • the antibodies of the invention inhibit the binding of HMGl to RAGE by at least 10%, or by at least 20%, or by at least 30%, or by at least 40%, or by at least 50%, or by at least 60%, or by at least 70%, or by at least 80%, or by at least 90%, or by 100%.
  • the antibodies of the invention inhibit the binding of HMGl to one or more of the Toll-like receptors (e.g. , TLR2 and TLR4) by at least 10%, or by at least 20%, or by at least 30%, or by at least 40%, or by at least 50%, or by at least 60%, or by at least 70%, or by at least 80%, or by at least 90%, or by 100%.
  • TLR2 and TLR4 the Toll-like receptors
  • antibodies may discriminate between the same polypeptide isolated from different sources.
  • a polypeptide of similar or identical amino acid sequence isolated from different sources may be distinguished by a number of differences including but not limited to, posttranslational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, glycosylation, etc.), alterations in overall structure ⁇ e.g., changes in disufide bonding and/or folding) and differences in any other molecules that the polypeptide may be associated with ⁇ e.g., salts, additional subunits such as polynucleotides and/or other polypeptides).
  • the antibodies of the invention specifically bind HMGl recombinantly produced in E. coli with the same or higher affinity than native HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from a mammalian cell or tissue). In another embodiment, the antibodies of the invention bind native HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from a mammalian cell or tissue) with the same or higher affinity than recombinant HMGl produced in E. coli.
  • the antibodies of the invention will bind one or more forms of native HMGl including, but not limited to, nuclear HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from cells by freeze thaw), released HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from the supernatant of necrotic cells) and activated HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from stimulated cells, such as LPS stimulated cells).
  • native HMGl including, but not limited to, nuclear HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from cells by freeze thaw), released HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from the supernatant of necrotic cells) and activated HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from stimulated cells, such as LPS stimulated cells).
  • the antibodies of the invention will not bind one or rriore forms of native HMGl including, but not limited to, nuclear HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from cells by freeze thaw), released HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from the supernatant of necrotic cells) and activated HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from stimulated cells, such as LPS stimulated cells).
  • native HMGl nuclear HMGl ⁇ e.g., isolated from cells by freeze thaw
  • released HMGl e.g., isolated from the supernatant of necrotic cells
  • activated HMGl e.g., isolated from stimulated cells, such as LPS stimulated cells.
  • the antibodies of the invention specifically bind to soluble HMGl and/or HMG2.
  • the antibodies of the invention specifically bind to immobilized HMGl and/or HMG2.
  • the antibodies of the invention specifically bind to both soluble and insoluble HMGl and/or HMG2.
  • HMGl and HMG2 are known polynucleotide ⁇ i.e. DNA and RNA) binding proteins.
  • the antibodies of the invention bind to HMGl and/or HMG2 wherein said HMGl and/or HMG2 is bound to a polynucleotide molecule, hi another embodiment, the antibodies of the invention prevent/antagonize/inhibit one or more of the following: HMGBl binding to RAGE, HMGBl binding to one or more Toll-like receptor ⁇ e.g., TLR2 and TLR4), HMGBl binding to a cell surface (e.g., a THP-I cell), HMGl -mediated release of proinflammatory cytokines, HMGl -mediated inflammation, HMGl- mediated sepsis, HMGl-mediated inflammation ⁇ e.g., of joints), and HMGl- mediated arthritis, wherein said HMGl is bound to a polynucleotide, hi specific embodiment
  • the antibodies of the invention bind acetylated HMGl with a higher affinity than non-acetylated HMGl . In another specific embodiment, the antibodies of the invention bind non-acetylated HMGl with a higher affinity than acetylated HMGl. In still another specific embodiment, the antibodies of the invention prevent bind both acetylated and non-acetylated HMGl with substantially the same affinity.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an HMGl polypeptide or an antigenic fragment thereof of a human or other animal, e.g., mammals and invertebrates.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a human HMGl polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:1 or 2).
  • HMGl polypeptides of human and other animals are well known in the art (see, e.g., US20040005316, 6,468,533 and 6,448,223).
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an HMGl polypeptide having at least 60% identity, or at least 70% identity, or at least 80% identity, at least 85% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity, or at least at least 97% identity, or at least 99% identity, or 100% identity to the human HMGl polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: l or 2.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a polypeptide having at least 60% identity, or at least 70% identity, or at least 80% identity, or at least 85% identity, or at least 90% identity, or at least 95% identity, or at least at least 97% identity, or at least 99% identity, or 100% identity to the human HMGl A box polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:3.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a polypeptide having at least 60% identity, or at least 70% identity, or at least 80% identity, or at least 85% identity, or at least 90% identity, or at least 95% identity, or at least at least 97% identity, or at least 99% identity, or 100% identity to the human HMGl B box polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4 and/or SEQ ID NO: 28 and/or SEQ ID NO:29.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an HMG2 polypeptide or an antigenic fragment thereof of a human or other animal, e.g., mammals and invertebrates, hi a specific embodiment, the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a human HMG2 polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:21). HMG2 polypeptides of human and other animals are well known in the art.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) an HMG2 polypeptide having at least 60% identity, or at least 70% identity, or at least 80% identity, at least 85% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity, or at least at least 97% identity, or at least 99% identity, or 100% identity to the human HMG2 polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:21.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a polypeptide having at least 60% identity, or at least 70% identity, or at least 80% identity, or at least 85% identity, or at least 90% identity, or at least 95% identity, or at least at least 97% identity, or at least 99% identity, or 100% identity to the human HMG2 A box polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:22.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention specifically bind a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively consisting of (or consisting essentially of) a polypeptide having at least 60% identity, or at least 70% identity, or at least 80% identity, or at least 85% identity, or at least 90% identity, or at least 95% identity, or at least at least 97% identity, or at least 99% identity, or 100% identity to the human HMG2 B box polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:23.
  • the actual comparison of the two sequences can be accomplished by well-known methods, for example, using a mathematical algorithm. A specific, non-limiting example of such a mathematical algorithm is described in Karlin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • the database searched is a non-redundant (NR) database
  • parameters for sequence comparison can be set at: no filters; Expect value of 10; Word Size of 3; the Matrix is BLOSUM62; and Gap Costs have an Existence of 11 and an Extension of 1.
  • the percent identity between two amino acid sequences can be accomplished using the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at http://www.accelrys.com, as available on August 31 , 2001) using either a
  • Blossom 63 matrix or a PAM250 matrix and a gap weight of 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4 and a length weight of 2, 3, or 4.
  • the percent identity between two nucleic acid sequences can be accomplished using the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at http://www.cgc.com), using a gap weight of 50 and a length weight of 3.
  • Another embodiment of present invention are antibodies that specifically bind
  • K ⁇ (k O ff/k on ) K ⁇ (k O ff/k on ) of less than 10 "5 M, or of less than 10 "6 M 3 or of less than 10 "7 M, or of less than 10 "8 M, or of less than 10 "9 M, or of less than 10 ⁇ 10 M, or of less than 10 "11
  • an antibody of the invention that specifically binds HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof has a dissociation constant or K d (IWk 0n ) of between about 10 "7 M and about 10 "8 M, between about 10 "8 M and about 10 "9 M, between about 10 "9 M and about 10 "10 M, between about 10 "10 M and about 10 "11 M, between about 10 "11 M and about 10 "12 M, between about 10 "12 M and about 10 "13 M, between about 10 "13 M and about 10 "14 M.
  • an antibody of the invention that specifically binds HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof has a dissociation constant or K d (Wk 0n ) of between 10 "7 M and 10 "8 M, between 10 "8 M and 10 "9 M, between 10 "9 M and 10 "10 M, between 10 "10 M and 10 "11 M, between 10 "11 M and 10 "12 M, between 10 "12 M and 10 "13 M, between 10 "13 M and 10 "14 M.
  • Another embodiment of present invention are antibodies that specifically bind HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof with a dissociation constant or K d (k ofl /k on ) of less than 10 '5 M, or of less than 10 "6 M, or of less than 10 "7 M, or of less than 10 '8 M, or of less than 10 "9 M, or of less than 10 "10 M, or of less than 10 "11 M, or of less than 10 "12 M, or of less than 10 "13 M, or of less than 5xl0 "13 M, or of less than 10 "14 M, less than 5xlO "14 M, or of less than 10 "15 M, or of less than 5xl0 "15 M.
  • K d dissociation constant or K d (k ofl /k on ) of less than 10 '5 M, or of less than 10 "6 M, or of less than 10 "7 M, or of less than 10 '8 M, or of less than 10 "9 M, or of less than 10 "10 M, or
  • an antibody of the invention that specifically binds HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof has a dissociation constant or K d (k off /k on ) of between about 10 "7 M and about 10 "8 M, between about 10 "8 M and about 10 "9 M, between about 10 "9 M and about 10 "10 M, between about 10 "10 M and about 10 "11 M, between about 10 "11 M and about 10 "12 M, between about 10 "12 M and about 10 "13 M, between about 10 "13 M and about 10 "14 M.
  • an antibody of the invention that specifically binds HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof has a dissociation constant or K d (Wk 0n ) of between 10 "7 M and 10 "8 M, between 10 "8 M and 10 "9 M, between 10 "9 M and 10 "10 M, between 10 "10 M and 10 "11 M, between 10 "11 M and 10 "12 M, between 10 "12 M and 10 "13 M, between 10 "13 M and 10 "14 M.
  • the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) is defined as k ojj lk on . It is generally understood that a binding molecule (e.g., and antibody) with a low K d (i.e., high affinity) is preferable to a binding molecule (e.g., and antibody) with a high K d (i.e., low affinity). However, in some instances the value of the k on or A 0 ⁇ may be more relevant than the value of the K d . One skilled in the art can determine which kinetic parameter is most important for a given antibody application. In certain embodiments, the antibodies of the invention have a lower K d for one antigen than for others.
  • the antibody binds to HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof with a k o s of less than IxIO "3 s "1 , or of less than 3xlO "3 s “1 .
  • the antibody binds to HMGl and antigenic fragments thereof with a k O ff of less than 10 "3 s '1 , less than 5xlO "3 s “1 , less than 10 "4 s “1 , less than 5XlO "4 s "1 , less than 10 "5 s “1 , less than 5xlO "5 s “1 , less than 10 '6 s “1 , less than 5xlO ⁇ 6 s “1 , less than 10 "7 s "1 , less than 5xlO "7 s “1 , less than 10 "8 s “1 , less than 5xlO "8 s “1 , less than 10 "9 s "1 ,
  • the antibody binds to HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof with a k Off of less than IxIO "3 s "1 , or of less than 3xlO "3 s “1 .
  • the antibody binds to HMG2 and antigenic fragments thereof with a K 0 ⁇ of less than 10 "3 s '1 , less than 5xlO "3 s “1 , less than 10 "4 s “1 , less than 5xlO “4 s “1 , less than 10 "5 s "1 , less than 5xlO "5 s “1 , less than 10 "6 s “1 , less than 5xlO “6 s “1 , less than 10 "7 s "1 , less than 5xlO "7 s “1 , less than 10 "8 s "1 , less than 5xlO "8 s '1 , less than 10 "9 s "1 , less than 5x
  • the antibody of the invention binds to HMGl and/or antigenic fragments thereof with an association rate constant or k on rate of at least 10 5 M -1 S "1 , at least 5XlO 5 M- 1 S “1 , at least 10 6 M -1 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 6 M- 1 S “1 , at least 10 7 M- 1 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 7 M- 1 S “1 , or at least 10 8 M -1 S “1 , or at least 10 9 M- 1 S "1 .
  • the antibody of the invention binds to HMG2 and/or antigenic fragments thereof with an association rate constant or k on rate of at least 10 5 M ' V 1 , at least 5XlO 5 M- 1 S “1 , at least 10 6 M- 1 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 6 M- 1 S “1 , at least 10 7 M -1 S “1 , at least 5 x 10 7 M -1 S “1 , or at least 10 8 M -1 S "1 , or at least 10 9 M -1 S "1 .
  • Antibodies like all polypeptides have an Isoelectric Point (pi), which is generally defined as the pH at which a polypeptide carries no net charge. It is known in the art that protein solubility is typically lowest when the pH of the solution is equal to the isoelectric point (pi) of the protein. As used herein the pi value is defined as the pi of the predominant charge form.
  • the pi of a protein may be determined by a variety of methods including but not limited to, isoelectric focusing and various computer algorithms (see, e.g., Bjellqvist et al, 1993, Electrophoresis 14:1023).
  • the thermal melting temperatures (Tm) of the Fab domain of an antibody can be a good indicator of the thermal stability of an antibody and may further provide an indication of the shelf-life.
  • Tm indicates more aggregation/less stability, whereas a higher Tm indicates less aggregation/ more stability.
  • antibodies having higher Tm are preferable.
  • Tm of a protein domain e.g., a Fab domain
  • a protein domain can be measured using any standard method known in the art, for example, by differential scanning calorimetry (see, e.g., Vermeer et al., 2000, Biophys. J. 78:394-404; Vermeer et al., 2000, Biophys. J. 79: 2150-2154).
  • an additional nonexclusive embodiment of the present invention includes high affinity antibodies of the invention that have certain preferred biochemical characteristics such as a particular isoelectric point (pi) or melting temperature (Tm).
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a pi ranging from 5.5 to 9.5.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a pi that ranges from about 5.5 to about 6.0, or about 6.0 to about 6.5, or about 6.5 to about 7.0, or about 7.0 to about 7.5, or about 7.5 to about ⁇ .O, or about 8.0 to about 8.5, or about 8.5 to about 9.0, or about 9.0 to about 9.5.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a pi that ranges from 5.5-6.0, or 6.0 to 6.5, or 6.5 to 7.0, or 7.0-7.5, or 7.5-8.0, or 8.0-8.5, or 8.5- 9.0, or 9.0-9.5.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a pi of at least 5.5, or at least 6.0, or at least 6.3, or at least 6.5, or at least 6.7, or at least 6.9, or at least 7.1, or at least 7.3, or at least 7.5, or at least 7.7, or at least 7.9, or at least 8.1, or at least 8.3, or at least 8.5, or at least 8.7, or at least 8.9, or at least 9.1, or at least 9.3, or at least 9.5.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a pi of at least about 5.5, or at least about 6.0, or at least about 6.3, or at least about 6.5, or at least about 6.7, or at least about 6.9, or at least about 7.1, or at least about 7.3, or at least about 7.5, or at least about 7.7, or at least about 7.9, or at least about 8.1, or at least about 8.3, or at least about 8.5, or at least about 8.7, or at least about 8.9, or at least about 9.1, or at least about 9.3, or at least about 9.5. [0139] It is possible to optimize solubility by altering the number and location of ionizable residues in the antibody to adjust the pi.
  • the pi of a polypeptide can be manipulated by making the appropriate amino acid substitutions (e.g., by substituting a charged amino acid such as a lysine, for an uncharged residue such as alanine).
  • amino acid substitutions of an antibody that result in changes of the pi of said antibody may improve solubility and/or the stability of the antibody.
  • amino acid substitutions would be most appropriate for a particular antibody to achieve a desired pi.
  • a substitution is generated in an antibody of the invention to alter the pi.
  • substirution(s) of the Fc region that result in altered binding to Fc ⁇ R may also result in a change in the pi.
  • substitution(s) of the Fc region are specifically chosen to effect both the desired alteration in Fc ⁇ R binding and any desired change in pi.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a Tm ranging from 65°C to 120 0 C.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a Tm ranging from about 75°C to about 12O 0 C, or about 75°C to about 85°C, or about 85°C to about 95°C, or about 95°C to about 105 0 C, or about 105 0 C to about 115 0 C, or about 115°C to about 120 0 C.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a Tm ranging from 75°C to 120 0 C, or 75°C to 85°C, or 85°C to 95°C, or 95°C to 105 0 C, or 105 0 C to 115°C, or 115°C to 120°C.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a Tm of at least about 65°C, or at least about 7O 0 C, or at least about 75°C, or at least about 80 0 C, or at least about 85°C, or at least about 90 0 C, or at least about 95°C, or at least about 100 0 C, or at least about 105 0 C, or at least about 110 0 C, or at least about 115 0 C, or at least about 120 0 C.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the present invention have a Tm of at least 65°C, or at least 70 0 C, or at least 75°C, or at least 80°C, or at least 85°C, or at least 90 0 C, or at least 95°C, or at least 100 0 C, or at least 105 0 C, or at least 11O 0 C, or at least 115 0 C, or at least 120 0 C.
  • the high affinity antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof are human or humanized antibodies.
  • the invention also include particular antibodies (and fragments thereof) that specifically bind HMGl with high affinity.
  • La particular are the anti- HMGl antibodies referred to here as "S2", “S4", “S 16” and "G4"which have been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209) and assigned ATCC Deposit Nos. PTA-6142, PTA-6143, PTA-6259 and PTA-6258, respectively. These deposits will be maintained under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure. Since the strain referred to is being maintained under the terms of the
  • the invention includes antibodies that specifically bind HMGl and/or HMG2 which comprise one or more of the variable regions disclosed herein (see Figure 2A-J, SEQ ID NOS.: 5-20, 24-27 and 30-73).
  • the present invention also encompasses variants of G2, GA, G9, G12, Gl 6, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, ⁇ 17 and El l (see Figure 2A-J, SEQ ID NOS.: 5- 20, 24-27 and 30-73) comprising one or more amino acid residue substitutions in the variable light (V L ) domain and/or variable heavy (V H ) domain.
  • the present invention also encompasses variants of G2, G4, G9, G12, Gl 6, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, Sl 7 and El 1 (see Figure 2A-J, SEQ ID NOS.: 5-20, 24-27 and 30-73) with one or more additional amino acid residue substitutions in one or more V L CDRS and/or one or more V H CDRs.
  • the antibody generated by introducing substitutions in the VH domain, V H CDRS, V L domain and/or V L CDRs of G2, G4, G9, G12, G16, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, S17 and El 1 can be tested in vitro and in vivo, for example, for its ability to bind to HMGl and/or HMG2 (by, e.g., immunoassays including, but not limited to ELISAs and BIAcore), or for its ability to inhibit HMGl -induced cytokine release, prevent, treat, manage or ameliorate inflammatory disease or one or more symptoms thereof.
  • CDRs residue numbers referred to herein are those of Kabat et al. (1991, NIH Publication 91-3242, National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA). Specifically, residues 24-34 (CDRl), 50-56 (CDR2) and 89-97 (CDR3) in the light chain variable domain and 31-35 (CDRl), 50-65 (CDR2) and 95-102 (CDR3) in the heavy chain variable domain. Note that CDRs vary considerably from antibody to antibody (and by definition will not exhibit homology with the Kabat consensus sequences). Maximal alignment of framework residues frequently requires the insertion of "spacer" residues in the numbering system, to be used for the Fv region. It will be understood that the CDRs referred to herein are those of Kabat et al. supra, hi addition, the identity of certain individual residues at any given Kabat site number may vary from antibody chain to antibody chain due to interspecies or allelic divergence.
  • the invention includes antibodies having least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least six of the CDRs disclosed herein (see, e.g., Figure 2A-J, CDRs indicated by underline), hi still other embodiments, the present invention encompasses an antibody that specifically binds HMGl and/or HMG2 comprising a V H CDR having the amino acid sequence of any of the V H CDRs listed in Table 3 and/or derived from the heavy chain variable region of any of the antibody heavy chain variable regions listed in Table 3.
  • the present invention encompasses an antibody that specifically binds HMGl and/or HMG2 comprising a VL CDR having the amino acid sequence of any of the V L CDRs listed in Table 3 and/or derived from the light chain variable region of any of the antibody light chain variable regions listed in Table 3.
  • the present invention encompasses antibodies that specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2, comprising derivatives of the V H domains, V H CDRs, V L domains, or V L CDRs described herein that specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2.
  • Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art can be used to introduce mutations (e.g., additions, deletions, and/or substitutions) in the nucleotide sequence encoding an antibody of the invention, including, for example, site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis are routinely used to generate amino acid substitutions.
  • the V H and/or V L CDRS derivatives include less than 25 amino acid substitutions, less than 20 amino acid substitutions, less than 15 amino acid substitutions, less than 10 amino acid substitutions, less than 5 amino acid substitutions, less than 4 amino acid substitutions, less than 3 amino acid substitutions, or less than 2 amino acid substitutions in the relative to the original V H and/or V L CDRS.
  • the V H and/or V L CDRS derivatives have conservative amino acid substitutions (e.g. supra) are made at one or more predicted non-essential amino acid residues (i.e., amino acid residues which are not critical for the antibody to specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2).
  • mutations can be introduced randomly along all or part of the V H and/or V L CDR coding sequence, such as by saturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screened for biological activity to identify mutants that retain activity.
  • the encoded antibody can be expressed and the activity of the antibody can be determined.
  • the present invention also encompasses antibodies that specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2 or a fragment thereof, said antibodies comprising an amino acid sequence of a variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain that is at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of the variable heavy chain and/or light chain of G2, G4, G9, G12, Gl 6, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, S17 and El 1 (see Figure 2A-J, SEQ ID NOS.: 5-20, 24-27 and 30-73).
  • the present invention also encompasses antibodies that specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2 or a fragment thereof, said antibodies comprising an amino acid sequence of a variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain that is at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of the variable heavy chain and/or light chain of G2, G4, G9, G12, G16, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, S17 and El l (see Figure 2A-J, SEQ ID NOS.: 5-20, 24-27 and 30-73).
  • the present invention further encompasses antibodies that specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2 or a fragment thereof, said antibodies or antibody fragments comprising an amino acid sequence of one or more CDRs that is at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of one or more CDRs of G2, G4, G9, G12, G16, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, S17 and Ell (see Figure 2A-J, SEQ ID NOS.: 5-20, 24-27 and 30-73).
  • the present invention further encompasses antibodies that specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2 or a fragment thereof, said antibodies or antibody fragments comprising an amino acid sequence of one or more CDRs that is at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of one or more CDRs of G2, G4, G9, Gl 2, Gl 6, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S 12, S14, S16, S17 and El 1 (see Figure 2A-J, SEQ ID NOS.: 5-20, 24-27 and 30-73).
  • the determination of percent identity of two amino acid sequences can be determined by any method known to one skilled in the art, including BLAST protein searches.
  • the present invention also encompasses antibodies that specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2 or fragments thereof, where said antibodies are encoded by a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to the nucleotide sequence of G2, G4, G9, Gl 2, Gl 6, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, S17 and El l (see Figure 2A-J, SEQ ID NOS.: 5- 20, 24-27 and 30-73) under stringent conditions.
  • the invention encompasses antibodies that specifically bind to HMGl and/or HMG2 or a fragment thereof, said antibodies comprising one or more CDRs encoded by a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleotide sequence of one or more CDRs of G2, G4, G9, G12, G16, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, S17 and Ell (see Figure 2A-
  • Stringent hybridization conditions include, but are not limited to, hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 6X sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) at about 45 0 C followed by one or more washes in 0.2X SSC/0.1% SDS at about 50-65°C, highly stringent conditions such as hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 6X SSC at about 45°C followed by one or more washes in 0.1X SSC/0.2% SDS at about 6O 0 C, or any other stringent hybridization conditions known to those skilled in the art (see, for example, Ausubel, F.M. et al., eds. 1989 Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, vol. 1, Green Publishing Associates, Inc. and John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY at pages 6.3.1 to 6.3.6 and 2.10.3).
  • Antibodies having at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or all six of the CDRs of the deposited antibodies are specific embodiments of the invention.
  • Isolated polynucleotides that encode these antibodies (and fragments thereof) are also specific embodiments of the invention.
  • the binding and functional characteristics for "S2", “S4", “S 16" and “G4"as well as several other specific anti-HMGl antibodies of the invention are listed in Table 1.
  • ⁇ 'Percent protection is calculated by subtracting the isotype control (see Examples section, Examples 5-11). at H
  • Another embodiment of the present invention includes the introduction of conservative amino acid substitutions in any portion of an anti-HMGl antibody of interest, described supra (see table 1). It is well known in the art that "conservative amino acid substitution” refers to amino acid substitutions that substitute functionally-equivalent amino acids. Conservative amino acid changes result in silent changes in the amino acid sequence of the resulting peptide. For example, one or more amino acids of a similar polarity act as functional equivalents and result in a silent alteration within the amino acid sequence of the peptide.
  • Substitutions that are charge neutral and which replace a residue with a smaller residue may also be considered "conservative substitutions" even if the residues are in different groups (e.g., replacement of phenylalanine with the smaller isoleucine). Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. Several families of conservative amino acid substitutions are shown in Table 2.
  • High affinity antibodies or fragments that specifically bind to an HMGl polypeptide can be identified, for example, by immunoassays, BIAcore, or other techniques known to those of skill in the art.
  • the antibodies of the present invention may be generated by any suitable method known in the art.
  • Polyclonal antibodies to an antigen-of-interest can be produced by various procedures well known in the art.
  • an HMGl polypeptide of the invention can be administered to various host animals including, but not limited to, rabbits, mice, rats, etc. to induce the production of sera containing polyclonal antibodies specific for the antigen.
  • adjuvants may be used to increase the immunological response, depending on the host species, and include but are not limited to, Freund's (complete and incomplete), mineral gels such as aluminum hydroxide, surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, keyhole limpet hemocyanins, dinitrophenol, and potentially useful human adjuvants such as BCG (bacille Calmette-Guerin) and Corynebacterium parvum. Such adjuvants are also well known in the art.
  • Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared using a wide variety of techniques known in the art including the use of hybridoma, recombinant, and phage display technologies, or a combination thereof.
  • monoclonal antibodies can be produced using hybridoma techniques including those known in the art and taught, for example, in Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2nd ed. 1988); Hammerling, et al., in: Monoclonal Antibodies and T-CeIl Hybridomas 563-681 (Elsevier, N.Y., 1981).
  • the term “monoclonal antibody” as used herein is not limited to antibodies produced through hybridoma technology.
  • the term “monoclonal antibody” refers to an antibody that is derived from a single clone, including any eukaryotic, prokaryotic, or phage clone, and not the method by which it is produced.
  • a “monoclonal antibody” may comprise, or alternatively consist of, two proteins, i.e., a heavy and a light chain.
  • mice can be immunized with a polypeptide of the invention or a cell expressing such peptide.
  • an immune response e.g., antibodies specific for the antigen are detected in the mouse serum
  • the mouse spleen is harvested and splenocytes isolated.
  • the splenocytes are then fused by well-known techniques to any suitable myeloma cells, for example cells from cell line SP20 available from the ATCC.
  • Hybridomas are selected and cloned by limited dilution.
  • hybridoma clones are then assayed by methods known in the art for cells that secrete antibodies capable of binding a polypeptide of the invention.
  • Ascites fluid which generally contains high levels of antibodies, can be generated by immunizing mice with positive hybridoma clones.
  • the present invention provides methods of generating monoclonal antibodies as well as antibodies produced by the method comprising culturing a hybridoma cell secreting an antibody of the invention wherein, preferably, the hybridoma is generated by fusing splenocytes isolated from a mouse immunized with an antigen of the invention with myeloma cells and then screening the hybridomas resulting from the fusion for hybridoma clones that secrete an antibody able to bind a polypeptide of the invention.
  • Antibody fragments which recognize specific epitopes may be generated by known techniques.
  • Fab and F(ab')2 fragments of the invention maybe produced by proteolytic cleavage of immunoglobulin molecules, using enzymes such as papain (to produce Fab fragments) or pepsin (to produce F(ab')2 fragments).
  • F(ab')2 fragments contain the variable region, the light chain constant region and the CHl domain of the heavy chain.
  • the antibodies of the present invention can also be generated using various phage display methods known in the art.
  • phage display methods functional antibody domains are displayed on the surface of phage particles which carry the polynucleotide sequences encoding them, hi a particular embodiment, such phage can be utilized to display antigen-binding domains expressed from a repertoire or combinatorial antibody library (e.g., human or murine).
  • Phage expressing an antigen binding domain that binds the antigen of interest can be selected or identified with antigen, e.g., using labeled antigen or antigen bound or captured to a solid surface or bead.
  • Phage used in these methods are typically filamentous phage including fd and Ml 3 binding domains expressed from phage with Fab, Fv or disulfide stabilized Fv antibody domains recombinantly fused to either the phage gene III or gene VIII protein.
  • Examples of phage display methods that can be used to make the antibodies of the present invention include those disclosed in Brinkman et al., J. Immunol. Methods 182:41-50 (1995); Ames et al., J. Immunol. Methods 184:177-186 (1995); Kettleborough et al., Eur. J.
  • the antibody coding regions from the phage can be isolated and used to generate whole antibodies, including human antibodies, or any other desired antigen binding fragment, and expressed in any desired host, including mammalian cells, insect cells, plant cells, yeast, and bacteria, e.g., as described in detail below.
  • Fab, Fab' and F(ab')2 fragments can also be employed using methods known in the art such as those disclosed in PCT publication WO 92/22324; Mullinax et al., BioTechniques 12(6):864-869 (1992); and Sawai et al., AJRI 34:26-34 (1995); and Better et al., Science 240:1041-1043 (1988).
  • a chimeric antibody is a molecule in which different portions of the antibody are derived from different animal species, such as antibodies having a variable region derived from a murine monoclonal antibody and a human immunoglobulin constant region.
  • Methods for producing chimeric antibodies are known in the art. See, e.g., Morrison, Science 229:1202 (1985); Oi et al., BioTechniques 4:214 (1986); Gillies et al., (1989) J. Immunol. Methods 125:191-202; U.S. Pat. Nos.
  • Humanized antibodies are antibody molecules from non-human species antibody that bind the desired antigen having one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from the non-human species and a framework region from a human immunoglobulin molecule.
  • CDRs complementarity determining regions
  • framework residues in the human framework regions will be substituted with the corresponding residue from the CDR donor antibody to alter, preferably improve, antigen binding.
  • framework substitutions are identified by methods well known in the art, e.g., by modeling of the interactions of the CDR and framework residues to identify framework residues important for antigen binding and sequence comparison to identify unusual framework residues at particular positions. ⁇ See, e.g., Queen et al., U.S. Pat.
  • Antibodies can be humanized using a variety of techniques known in the art including, for example, CDR-grafting (EP 239,400; PCT publication WO 91/09967; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,539; 5,530,101; and 5,585,089), veneering or resurfacing (EP 592,106; EP 519,596; Padlan, Molecular Immunology 28(4/5):489-498 (1991); Studnicka et al., Protein Engineering 7(6):805-814 (1994); Roguska. et al., PNAS 91 :969-973 (1994)), and chain shuffling (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,332).
  • Human antibodies are particularly desirable for therapeutic treatment of human patients.
  • Human antibodies can be made by a variety of methods known in the art including phage display methods described above using antibody libraries derived from human immunoglobulin sequences. See also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,444,887 and 4,716,111; and PCT publications WO 98/46645, WO 98/50433, WO 98/24893, WO 98/16654, WO 96/34096, WO 96/33735, and WO 91/10741.
  • Human antibodies can also be produced using transgenic mice which are incapable of expressing functional endogenous immunoglobulins, but which can express human immunoglobulin genes.
  • the human heavy and light chain immunoglobulin gene complexes may be introduced randomly or by homologous recombination into mouse embryonic stem cells.
  • the human variable region, constant region, and diversity region may be introduced into mouse embryonic stem cells in addition to the human heavy and light chain genes.
  • the mouse heavy and light chain immunoglobulin genes may be rendered non-functional separately or simultaneously with the introduction of human immunoglobulin loci by homologous recombination, hi particular, homozygous deletion of the JH region prevents endogenous antibody production.
  • the modified embryonic stem cells are expanded and microinjected into blastocysts to produce chimeric mice.
  • the chimeric mice are then bred to produce homozygous offspring which express human antibodies.
  • the transgenic mice are immunized in the normal fashion with a selected antigen, e.g., all or a portion of a polypeptide of the invention.
  • Monoclonal antibodies directed against the antigen can be obtained from the immunized, transgenic mice using conventional hybridoma technology.
  • the human immunoglobulin transgenes harbored by the transgenic mice rearrange during B cell differentiation, and subsequently undergo class switching and somatic mutation.
  • Completely human antibodies which recognize a selected epitope can be generated using a technique referred to as "guided selection.”
  • a selected non-human monoclonal antibody e.g., a mouse antibody, is used to guide the selection of a completely human antibody recognizing the same epitope. (Jespers et al., Bio/technology 12:899-903 (1988)).
  • antibodies to the polypeptides of the invention can, in turn, be utilized to generate anti-idiotype antibodies that "mimic" polypeptides of the invention using techniques well known to those skilled in the art (See, e.g., Greenspan & Bona, FASEB J. 7(5):437-444; (1989) and Nissinoff, J. Immunol. 147(8):2429-2438 (1991)).
  • antibodies which bind to and competitively inhibit polypeptide multimerization and/or binding of a polypeptide of the invention to a ligand can be used to generate anti-idiotypes that "mimic" the polypeptide multimerization and/or binding domain and, as a consequence, bind to and neutralize polypeptide and/or its ligand.
  • anti-idiotypes or Fab fragments of such anti-idiotypes can be used in therapeutic regimens to neutralize polypeptide ligand.
  • anti-idiotypic antibodies can be used to bind a polypeptide of the invention and/or to bind its ligands/receptors, and thereby block its biological activity.
  • the antibody is preferably modified to make it less immunogenic in the individual.
  • the individual is human the antibody is preferably "humanized"; where the complementarity determining region(s) of the antibody is transplanted into a human antibody (for example, as described in Jones et al., Nature 321:522-525, 1986; and Tempest et al., Biotechnology 9:266-273, 1991).
  • Phage display technology can also be utilized to select antibody genes with binding activities towards the polypeptide either from repertoires of PCR amplified v-genes of lymphocytes from humans screened for possessing anti-B box antibodies or from naive libraries (McCafferty et al, Nature 348:552-554, 1990; and Marks, et al., Biotechnology 10:779-783, 1992).
  • the affinity of these antibodies can also be improved by chain shuffling (Clackson et al., Nature 352: 624-628, 1991).
  • the choice of polypeptide to be used for the generation can be readily determined by one skilled in the art.
  • Polypeptides may be chosen such that the antibody generated will not significantly cross-react or specifically bind to another member of the HMG protein family.
  • polypeptides which share a large degree of homology between two or more members of the HMG protein family may be used for the generation of an antibody that can specifically bind (i. e. , cross-react) with multiple members of the HMG protein family (e.g., HMGl and HMG2).
  • the invention further provides polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a high affinity antibody of the invention and fragments thereof.
  • the invention also encompasses polynucleotides that hybridize under stringent or lower stringency hybridization conditions, e.g., as defined herein, to polynucleotides that encode an antibody that specifically binds to an HMGl and/or HMG2 polypeptide of the invention (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 or fragments thereof), hi a particular embodiment, a polynucleotide of the invention encodes an antibody that binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or 2.
  • a polynucleotide of the invention encodes an antibody which binds specifically to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.
  • a polynucleotide of the invention encodes an antibody which binds specifically to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.
  • a polynucleotide of the invention encodes an antibody which binds a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:21.
  • a polynucleotide of the invention encodes an antibody which binds a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:22.
  • a polynucleotide of the invention encodes an antibody which binds a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:23.
  • a polynucleotide of the invention encodes an antibody which binds a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:28 and/or 29.
  • stringent hybridization conditions is intended overnight incubation at 42.degree. C. in a solution comprising: 50% formamide, 5.times.SSC (750 mM NaCl, 75 mM trisodium cirate), 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.6), 5.times. Denhardt's solution, 10% dextran sulfate, and 20 .mu.g/ml denatured, sheared salmon sperm DNA, followed by washing the filters in 0.1.times. SSC at about 65.degree. C.
  • the polynucleotides may be obtained, and the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotides determined, by any method known in the art.
  • a polynucleotide encoding the antibody maybe assembled from chemically synthesized oligonucleotides (e.g., as described in Kutmeier et al., BioTechniques 17:242 (1994)), which, briefly, involves the synthesis of overlapping oligonucleotides containing portions of the sequence encoding the antibody, annealing and ligating of those oligonucleotides, and then amplification of the ligated oligonucleotides by PCR.
  • a polynucleotide encoding an antibody may be generated from nucleic acid from a suitable source. If a clone containing a nucleic acid encoding a particular antibody is not available, but the sequence of the antibody molecule is known, a nucleic acid encoding the immunoglobulin may be chemically synthesized or obtained from a suitable source ⁇ e.g., an antibody cDNA library, or a cDNA library generated from, or nucleic acid, preferably polyA+RNA, isolated from, any tissue or cells expressing the antibody, such as hybridoma cells selected to express an antibody of the invention) by PCR amplification using synthetic primers hybridizable to the 3' and 5' ends of the sequence or by cloning using an oligonucleotide probe specific for tb.e particular gene sequence to identify, e.g., a cDNA clone from a cDNA library that encodes the antibody. Amplified nucleic
  • nucleotide sequence and corresponding amino acid sequence of the antibody may be manipulated using methods well known in the art for the manipulation of nucleotide sequences, e.g., recombinant DNA techniques, site directed mutagenesis, PCR, etc. (see, for example, the techniques described in Sambrook et al., 1990, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 2d Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.
  • the amino acid sequence of the heavy and/or light chain variable domains of the antibodies of the invention may be inspected to identify the sequences of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) by methods that are well known in the art, e.g., by comparison to known amino acid sequences of other heavy and light chain variable regions to determine the regions of sequence hypervariability.
  • CDRs complementarity determining regions
  • one or more of the CDRs maybe inserted within framework regions, e.g., into human framework regions to humanize a non-human antibody, as described supra.
  • the framework regions may be naturally occurring or consensus framework regions, and preferably human framework regions (see, e.g., Chothia et al., J. MoI. Biol.
  • the polynucleotide generated by the combination of the framework regions and CDRs encodes an antibody that specifically binds a polypeptide of the invention.
  • one or more amino acid substitutions may be made within the framework regions, and, preferably, the amino acid substitutions improve binding of the antibody to its antigen. Additionally, such methods maybe used to make amino acid substitutions or deletions of one or more variable region cysteine residues participating in an intrachain disulfide bond to generate antibody molecules lacking one or more intrachain disulfide bonds. Other alterations to the polynucleotide are encompassed by the present invention and within the skill of the art.
  • a chimeric antibody is a molecule in which different portions are derived from different animal species, such as those having a variable region derived from a murine mAb and a human immunoglobulin constant region, e.g., humanized antibodies.
  • techniques described for the production of single chain antibodies can be adapted to produce single chain antibodies.
  • Single chain antibodies are formed by linking the heavy and light chain fragments of the Fv region via an amino acid bridge, resulting in a single chain polypeptide.
  • Techniques for the assembly of functional Fv fragments in E. coli may also be used (Skerra et al., Science 242:1038-1041 (1988)).
  • the antibodies of the invention can be produced by any method known in the art for the synthesis of antibodies, in particular, by chemical synthesis or preferably, by recombinant expression techniques.
  • Recombinant expression of an antibody of the invention, or fragment, derivative or analog thereof, ⁇ e.g., a heavy or light chain of an antibody of the invention or a single chain antibody of the invention) requires construction of an expression vector containing a polynucleotide that encodes the antibody.
  • the vector for the production of the antibody molecule may be produced by recombinant DNA technology using techniques well known in the art.
  • methods for preparing a protein by expressing a polynucleotide containing an antibody encoding nucleotide sequence are described herein. Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to construct expression vectors containing antibody coding sequences and appropriate transcriptional and translational control signals. These methods include, for example, in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo genetic recombination.
  • the invention thus, provides replicable vectors comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an antibody molecule of the invention, or a heavy or light chain thereof, or a heavy or light chain variable domain, operably linked to a promoter.
  • Such vectors may include the nucleotide sequence encoding the constant region of the antibody molecule (see, e.g., PCT Publication WO 86/05807; PCT Publication WO 89/01036; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,464) and the variable domain of the antibody may be cloned into such a vector for expression of the entire heavy or light chain.
  • the expression vector is transferred to a host cell by conventional techniques and the transfected cells are then cultured by conventional techniques to produce an antibody of the invention.
  • the invention includes host cells containing a polynucleotide encoding an antibody of the invention, or a heavy or light chain thereof, or a single chain antibody of the invention, operably linked to a heterologous promoter, hi preferred embodiments for the expression of double-chained antibodies, vectors encoding both the heavy and light chains maybe co-expressed in the host cell for expression of the entire immunoglobulin molecule, as detailed below.
  • host-expression vector systems may be utilized to express the antibody molecules of the invention.
  • Such host-expression systems represent vehicles by which the coding sequences of interest may be produced and subsequently purified, but also represent cells which may, when transformed or transfected with the appropriate nucleotide coding sequences, express an antibody molecule of the invention in situ.
  • These include but are not limited to microorganisms such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli, B.
  • subtilis transformed with recombinant bacteriophage DNA, plasmid DNA or cosmid DNA expression vectors containing antibody coding sequences; yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces, Pichid) transformed with recombinant yeast expression vectors containing antibody coding sequences; insect cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., baculovirus) containing antibody coding sequences; plant cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV; tobacco mosaic virus, TMV) or transformed with recombinant plasmid expression vectors (e.g., Ti plasmid) containing antibody coding sequences; or mammalian cell systems (e.g., COS, CHO, BHK, 293, NSO, 3T3, PerC ⁇ cells) harboring recombinant expression constructs containing promoters derived from the genome of mammalian cells (e.g., metallothionein promoter
  • bacterial cells such as Escherichia coli, and more preferably, eukaryotic cells, especially for the expression of whole recombinant antibody molecule, are used for the expression of a recombinant antibody molecule.
  • mammalian cells such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), in conjunction with a vector such as the major intermediate early gene promoter element from human cytomegalovirus is an effective expression system for antibodies (Foecking et al., Gene 45:101 (1986); Cockett et al., Bio/Technology 8:2 (1990)).
  • U.S. patents 5827739, 5879936, 5981216, and 5658759 are examples of cells.
  • a number of expression vectors may be advantageously selected depending upon the use intended for the antibody molecule being expressed.
  • vectors which direct the expression of high levels of fusion protein products that are readily purified may be desirable.
  • Such vectors include, but are not limited, to the E. coli expression vector pUR278 (Ruther et al., EMBO J. 2:1791 (1983)), in which the antibody coding sequence maybe ligated individually into the vector in frame with the lacZ coding region so that a fusion protein is produced; pIN vectors (Inouye & Inouye, Nucleic Acids Res.
  • pGEX vectors may also be used to express foreign polypeptides as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase (GST). hi general, such fusion proteins are soluble and can easily be purified from lysed cells by adsorption and binding to matrix glutathione-agarose beads followed by elution in the presence of free glutathione.
  • GST glutathione S-transferase
  • the pGEX vectors are designed to include thrombin or factor Xa protease cleavage sites so that the cloned target gene product can be released from the GST moiety.
  • Autographa califomica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) is used as a vector to express foreign genes.
  • the virus grows in Spodoptera frugiperda cells.
  • the antibody coding sequence may be cloned individually into non- essential regions (for example the polyhedrin gene) of the virus and placed under control of an AcNPV promoter (for example the polyhedrin promoter).
  • the antibody coding sequence of interest may be ligated to an adenovirus transcription/translation control , complex, e.g., the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence.
  • This chimeric gene may then be inserted in the adenovirus genome by in vitro or in vivo recombination. Insertion in a nonessential region of the viral genome (e.g., region El or E3) will result in a recombinant virus that is viable and capable of expressing the antibody molecule in infected hosts (e.g., see Logan & Shenk, Proc.
  • Specific initiation signals may also be required for efficient translation of inserted antibody coding sequences. These signals include the ATG initiation codon and adjacent sequences. Furthermore, the initiation codon must be in phase with the reading frame of the desired coding sequence to ensure translation of the entire insert. These exogenous translational control signals and initiation codons can be of a variety of origins, both natural and synthetic. The efficiency of expression may be enhanced by the inclusion of appropriate transcription enhancer elements, transcription terminators, etc. (see Bittner et al., Methods in Enzymol. 153:51-544 (1987)).
  • a host cell strain may be chosen which modulates the expression of the inserted sequences, or modifies and processes the gene product in the specific fashion desired. Such modifications ⁇ e.g., glycosylation) and processing (e.g., cleavage) of protein products may be important for the function of the protein.
  • Different host cells have characteristic and specific mechanisms for the post-translational processing and modification of proteins and gene products. Appropriate cell lines or host systems can be chosen to ensure the correct modification and processing of the foreign protein expressed.
  • eukaryotic host cells which possess the cellular machinery for proper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, and phosphorylation of the gene product maybe used.
  • Such mammalian host cells include but are not limited to CHO, VERY, BHK, HeIa, COS, MDCK, 293, 3T3, W138, NSO, Per.C ⁇ and in particular, breast cancer cell lines such as, for example, BT483, Hs578T, HTB2, BT20 and T47D, and normal mammary gland cell lines such as, for example, CRL7030 and Hs578Bst.
  • cell lines which stably express the antibody molecule may be engineered.
  • host cells can be transformed with DNA controlled by appropriate expression control elements (e.g., promoter, enhancer, sequences, transcription terminators, polyadenylation sites, etc.), and a selectable marker.
  • appropriate expression control elements e.g., promoter, enhancer, sequences, transcription terminators, polyadenylation sites, etc.
  • engineered cells maybe allowed to grow for 1-2 days in an enriched media, and then are switched to a selective media.
  • the selectable marker in the recombinant plasmid confers resistance to the selection and allows cells to stably integrate the plasmid into their chromosomes and grow to form foci which in turn can be cloned and expanded into cell lines.
  • This method may advantageously be used to engineer cell lines which express the antibody molecule.
  • Such engineered cell lines may be particularly useful in screening and evaluation of compounds that interact directly or indirectly with the antibody molecule.
  • a number of selection systems may be used, including but not limited to the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Wigler et al., Cell 11 :223 (1977)), hypoxanthine- guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (Szybalska & Szybalski, Proc. Natl. Acad. ScL USA 48:202 (1992)), and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (Lowy et al., Cell 22:817 (1980)) genes can be employed in tk-, hgprt- or aprt-cells, respectively.
  • antimetabolite resistance can be used as the basis of selection for the following genes: dhfr, which confers resistance to methotrexate (Wigler et al., Proc Natl. Acad. Set USA 77:357 (1980); O'Hare et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sd. USA 78:1527 (1981)); gpt, which confers resistance to mycophenolic acid (Mulligan & Berg, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sd.
  • the expression levels of an antibody molecule can be increased by vector amplification (for a review, see Bebbington and Hentschel, The use of vectors based on gene amplification for the expression of cloned genes in mammalian cells in DNA cloning, Vol. 3. (Academic Press, New York, 1987)).
  • vector amplification for a review, see Bebbington and Hentschel, The use of vectors based on gene amplification for the expression of cloned genes in mammalian cells in DNA cloning, Vol. 3. (Academic Press, New York, 1987)).
  • a marker in the vector system expressing antibody is amplifiable
  • increase in the level of inhibitor present in culture of host cell will increase the number of copies of the marker gene. Since the amplified region is associated with the antibody gene, production of the antibody will also increase (Crouse et al., MoI. Cell. Biol. 3:257 (1983)).
  • the host cell may be co-transfected with two expression vectors of the invention, the first vector encoding a heavy chain derived polypeptide and the second vector encoding a light chain derived polypeptide.
  • the two vectors may contain identical selectable markers which enable equal expression of heavy and light chain polypeptides.
  • a single vector may be used which encodes, and is capable of expressing, both heavy and light chain polypeptides. In such situations, the light chain should be placed before the heavy chain to avoid an excess of toxic free heavy chain (Proudfoot, Nature 322:562 (1986); Kohler, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:2197 (1980)).
  • the coding sequences for the heavy and light chains may comprise cDNA or genomic DNA.
  • an antibody molecule of the invention may be purified by any method known in the art for purification of an immunoglobulin molecule, for example, by chromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by affinity for the specific antigen after Protein A, and sizing column chromatography), centrifugation, differential solubility, or by any other standard technique for the purification of proteins.
  • chromatography e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by affinity for the specific antigen after Protein A, and sizing column chromatography
  • centrifugation e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by affinity for the specific antigen after Protein A, and sizing column chromatography
  • differential solubility e.g., differential solubility
  • the antibodies of the present invention or fragments thereof can be fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences described herein or otherwise known in the art, to facilitate purification.
  • the antibodies or fragments thereof of the present invention can be fused to marker sequences, such as a peptide to facilitate purification
  • the marker amino acid sequence is a hexa-histidine peptide, such as the tag provided in a pQE vector (QIAGEN, Inc., 9259 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311), among others, many of which are commercially available.
  • a pQE vector QIAGEN, Inc., 9259 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311
  • hexa-histidine provides for convenient purification of the fusion protein.
  • peptide tags useful for purification include, but are not limited to, the "HA” tag, which corresponds to an epitope derived from the influenza hemagglutinin protein (Wilson et al., Cell 37:767 (1984)) and the "flag" tag.
  • the antibodies of the invention include derivatives that are modified (e.g., by the covalent attachment of any type of molecule to the antibody).
  • the antibody derivatives include antibodies that have been modified, e.g., by glycosylation, acetylation, pegylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage to a cellular ligand or other protein, etc. Any of numerous chemical modifications may be carried out by known techniques, including, but not limited to, specific chemical cleavage, acetylation, formylation, metabolic synthesis of tunicamycin, etc. Additionally, the derivative may contain one or more non-classical amino acids.
  • Antibodies or fragments thereof with increased in vivo half-lives can be generated by attaching to said antibodies or antibody fragments polymer molecules such as high molecular weight polyethyleneglycol (PEG).
  • PEG polymer molecules
  • PEG can be attached to said antibodies or antibody fragments with or without a multifunctional linker either through site-specific conjugation of the PEG to the N— or C- terminus of said antibodies or antibody fragments or via epsilon-amino groups present on lysine residues.
  • Linear or branched polymer derivatization that results in minimal loss of biological activity will be used.
  • the degree of conjugation will be closely monitored by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry to ensure proper conjugation of PEG molecules to the antibodies.
  • Unreacted PEG can be separated from antibody-PEG conjugates by, e.g., size exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography.
  • antibodies can be conjugated to albumin in order to make the antibody or antibody fragment more stable in vivo or have a longer half life in vivo.
  • the techniques are well known in the art, see e.g., International Publication Nos. WO 93/15199, WO 93/15200, and WO 01/77137; and European Patent No. EP 413, 622.
  • the present invention encompasses the use of antibodies or fragments thereof conjugated or fused to one or more moieties, including but not limited to, peptides, polypeptides, proteins, fusion proteins, nucleic acid molecules, small molecules, mimetic agents, synthetic drugs, inorganic molecules, and organic molecules.
  • moieties including but not limited to, peptides, polypeptides, proteins, fusion proteins, nucleic acid molecules, small molecules, mimetic agents, synthetic drugs, inorganic molecules, and organic molecules.
  • the present invention encompasses the use of antibodies or fragments thereof recombinantly fused or chemically conjugated (including both covalent and non-covalent conjugations) to a heterologous protein or polypeptide (or fragment thereof, specifically to a polypeptide of at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90 or at least 100 amino acids) to generate fusion proteins
  • the present invention encompasses the use of antibodies or fragments thereof recombinantly fused or chemically conjugated (including both covalent and non-covalent conjugations) to a heterologous protein or polypeptide (or fragment thereof, specifically to a polypeptide of at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90 or at least about 100 amino acids) to generate fusion proteins.
  • the fusion does not necessarily need to be direct, but may occur through linker sequences.
  • antibodies may be used to target heterologous polypeptides to particular cell types, either in vitro or in vivo, by fusing or conjugating the antibodies to antibodies specific for particular cell surface receptors.
  • Antibodies fused or conjugated to heterologous polypeptides may also be used in in vitro immunoassays and purification methods using methods known in the art. See e.g., International publication No. WO 93/21232; European Patent No. EP 439,095; Naramura et al., 1994, Immunol. Lett. 39:91-99; U.S. Patent No.
  • the present invention further includes formulations comprising heterologous proteins, peptides or polypeptides fused or conjugated to antibody fragments.
  • the heterologous polypeptides may be fused or conjugated to a Fab fragment, Fd fragment, Fv fragment, F(ab)2 fragment, a VH domain, a VL domain, a VH CDR, a VL CDR, or fragment thereof.
  • Methods for fusing or conjugating polypeptides to antibody portions are well known in the art.
  • Additional fusion proteins e.g., of antibodies that specifically bind HMGl and/or HMG2 or fragments thereof ⁇ e.g., supra
  • DNA shuffling may be employed to alter the activities of antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof (e.g. , antibodies or fragments thereof with higher affinities and lower dissociation rates). See, generally, U.S. Patent Nos.
  • One or more portions of a polynucleotide encoding an antibody or antibody fragment, which portions specifically bind to a C/CLP may be recombined with one or more components, motifs, sections, parts, domains, fragments, etc. of one or more heterologous molecules.
  • the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof can be fused to marker sequences, such as a peptide to facilitate purification.
  • the marker amino acid sequence is a hexa-histidine peptide, such as the tag provided in a pQE vector (QIAGEN, Inc., 9259 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth, CA, 91311), among others, many of which are commercially available.
  • hexa-histidine provides for convenient purification of the fusion protein.
  • peptide tags useful for purification include, but are not limited to, the hemagglutinin "HA” tag, which corresponds to an epitope derived from the influenza hemagglutinin protein (Wilson et al, 1984, Cell 37:767) and the "flag" tag.
  • the present invention further encompasses antibodies or fragments thereof conjugated to a diagnostic or therapeutic agent.
  • the antibodies can be used diagnostically to, for example, monitor the development or progression of a tumor as part of a clinical testing procedure to, e.g., determine the efficacy of a given treatment regimen. Detection can be facilitated by coupling the antibody to a detectable substance. Examples of detectable substances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials, luminescent materials, bioluminescent materials, radioactive materials, positron emitting metals using various positron emission tomographies, and nonradioactive paramagnetic metal ions.
  • the detectable substance may be coupled or conjugated either directly to the antibody (or fragment thereof) or indirectly, through an intermediate (such as, for example, a linker known in the art) using techniques known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,900 for metal ions which can be conjugated to antibodies for use as diagnostics according to the present invention.
  • suitable enzymes include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, beta-galactosidase, or acetylcholinesterase;
  • suitable prosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin and avidin/biotin;
  • suitable fluorescent materials include umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or phycoerythrin;
  • an example of a luminescent material includes luminol;
  • examples of bioluminescent materials include luciferase, mciferin, and aequorin;
  • suitable radioactive material include but ar not limited to, 125 1, 131 1, 111 In or 99 Tc, in addition positron emitting metals using various positron emission tomographies, noradioactive paramagnetic metal ions, and molecules that are radiolabeled or conjugated to specific radiois
  • an antibody of the invention or fragment thereof may be conjugated to a therapeutic moiety such as a cytotoxin, e.g., a cytostatic or cytocidal agent, a therapeutic agent or a radioactive metal ion, e.g., alpha-emitters such as, for example, 213 Bi.
  • a cytotoxin or cytotoxic agent includes any agent that is detrimental to cells.
  • Examples include paclitaxol, cytochalasin B, gramicidin D, ethidium bromide, emetine, mitomycin, etoposide, tenoposide, vincristine, vinblastine, colchicin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, dihydroxy anthracin dione, mitoxantrone, mithramycin, actinomycin D, 1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, propranolol, and puromycin and analogs or homologs thereof.
  • Therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, antimetabolites (e.g., methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine), alkylating agents (e.g., mechlorethamine, thioepa chlorambucil, melphalan, carmustine (BSNU) and lomustine (CCNU), cyclothosphamide, busulfan, dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C, and cis-dichlorodiamine platinum(II) (DDP) cisplatin), anthracyclines (e.g., daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin) and doxorubicin), antibiotics (e.g., dactinomycin (formerly actinomycin), bleomycin, mithramycin, and anthramycin (AMC)), and anti-mitotic agents (e.g.
  • conjugates of the invention can be used for modifying a given biological response, the therapeutic agent or drug moiety is not to be construed as limited to classical chemical therapeutic agents.
  • the drug moiety may be a protein or polypeptide possessing a desired biological activity.
  • Such proteins may include, for example, a toxin such as abrin, ricin A, pseudomonas exotoxin, or diphtheria toxin; a protein such as tumor necrosis factor, alpha-interferon, beta-interferon, nerve growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, tissue plasminogen activator, an apoptotic agent, e.g., TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, AIM I (See, International Publication No. WO 97/33899), AIM II (See, International Publication No. WO 97/34911), Fas Ligand (Takahashi et al., Int.
  • a toxin such as abrin, ricin A, pseudomonas exotoxin, or diphtheria toxin
  • a protein such as tumor necrosis factor, alpha-interferon, beta-interferon, nerve growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, tissue plasminogen activator, an apop
  • VEGI See, International Publication No. WO 99/23105
  • CD40 Ligand a thrombotic agent or an anti-angiogenic agent, e.g., angiostatin or endostatin; or, biological response modifiers such as, for example, lymphokines, interleukin-1 ("IL-I”), interleukin-2 (“IL-2”), interleukin-6 (“IL-6”), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (“GM-CSF”), granulocyte colony stimulating factor (“G-CSF”), or other growth factors.
  • IL-I interleukin-1
  • IL-2 interleukin-2
  • IL-6 interleukin-6
  • GM-CSF granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor
  • G-CSF granulocyte colony stimulating factor
  • Antibodies may also be attached to solid supports, which are particularly useful for immunoassays or purification of the target antigen.
  • solid supports include, but are not limited to, glass, cellulose, polyacrylamide, nylon, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene.
  • the antibodies of the invention can be conjugated to other polypeptides.
  • Methods for fusing or conjugating antibodies to polypeptide moieties are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. 5,336,603; 5,622,929; 5,359,046; 5,349,053; 5,447,851, and 5,112,946; EP 307,434; EP 367,166; PCT Publications WO 96/04388 and WO 91/06570; Ashkenazi et al., 1991, PNAS USA 88:10535; Zheng et al., 1995, J Immunol 154:5590; and ViI et al., 1992, PNAS USA 89:11337.
  • linker molecules are commonly known in the art and described in Denardo et al., 1998, Clin Cancer Res 4:2483; Peterson et al., 1999, Bioconjug Chem 10:553; Zimmerman et al., 1999, Nucl Med Biol 26:943; Garnett, 2002, Adv Drug Deliv Rev 53:171
  • an antibody can be conjugated to a second antibody to form an antibody heteroconjugate as described by Segal in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980.
  • An antibody, with or without a therapeutic moiety conjugated to it, administered alone or in combination with cytotoxic factor(s) and/or cytokine(s) can be used as a therapeutic.
  • the antibodies of the invention may be assayed for specific (i.e., immunospecific) binding by any method known in the art.
  • the immunoassays which can be used, include but are not limited to, competitive and non-competitive assay systems using techniques such as western blots, radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), "sandwich” immunoassays, immunoprecipitation assays, precipitin reactions, gel diffusion precipitin reactions, immunodiffusion assays, agglutination assays, complement-fixation assays, immunoradiometric assays, fluorescent immunoassays, protein A immunoassays, to name but a few.
  • Immunoprecipitation protocols generally comprise lysing a population of cells in a lysis buffer such as RIPA buffer (1% NP-40 or Triton X-100, 1% sodium deoxycholate, 0.1% SDS, 0.15 M NaCl, 0.01 M sodium phosphate at pH 7.2, 1% Trasylol) supplemented with protein phosphatase and/or protease inhibitors (e.g., EDTA, PMSF, aprotinin, sodium vanadate), adding the antibody of interest to the cell lysate, incubating for a period of time (e.g., 1-4 hours) at 4. degree.
  • a lysis buffer such as RIPA buffer (1% NP-40 or Triton X-100, 1% sodium deoxycholate, 0.1% SDS, 0.15 M NaCl, 0.01 M sodium phosphate at pH 7.2, 1% Trasylol
  • protein phosphatase and/or protease inhibitors e.g.,
  • Western blot analysis generally comprises preparing protein samples, electrophoresis of the protein samples in a polyacrylamide gel (e.g., 8%-20% SDS-PAGE depending on the molecular weight of the antigen), transferring the protein sample from the polyacrylamide gel to a membrane such as nitrocellulose, PVDF or nylon; blocking the membrane in blocking solution (e.g., PBS with 3% BSA or non-fat milk), washing the membrane in washing buffer (e.g., PBS-T ween 20), blocking the membrane with primary antibody (the antibody of interest) diluted in blocking buffer, washing the membrane in washing buffer, blocking the membrane with a secondary antibody (which recognizes the primary antibody, e.g., an anti-human antibody) conjugated to an enzymatic substrate (e.g., horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase) or radioactive molecule (e.g., 32 P or 125 I) diluted in blocking buffer, washing the membrane in wash buffer, and detecting the presence of the anti
  • ELISAs comprise preparing antigen, coating the well of a 96 well microtiter plate with the antigen, adding the antibody of interest conjugated to a detectable compound such as an enzymatic substrate (e.g., horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase) to the well and incubating for a period of time, and detecting the presence of the antigen, hi ELISAs the antibody of interest does not have to be conjugated to a detectable compound; instead, a second antibody (which recognizes the antibody of interest) conjugated to a detectable compound may be added to the well.
  • a detectable compound such as an enzymatic substrate (e.g., horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase)
  • the antibody may be coated to the well, hi this case, a second antibody conjugated to a detectable compound may be added following the addition of the antigen of interest to the coated well.
  • ELISAs see, e.g., Ausubel et al, eds, 1994, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. 1 , John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York at 11.2.1.
  • the binding affinity and other binding properties (e.g., off-rate of an antibody-antigen interaction) of an antibody to an antigen may be determined by a variety of in vitro assay methods well known in the art including for example, equilibrium methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA; or radioimmunoassay (RIA)), or kinetics (e.g., BIACORE® analysis), and other methods such as indirect binding assays, competitive binding assays fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), gel electrophoresis and chromatography (e.g., gel filtration).
  • equilibrium methods e.g., enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA; or radioimmunoassay (RIA)
  • kinetics e.g., BIACORE® analysis
  • indirect binding assays e.g., competitive binding assays fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), gel electrophoresis and chromatography (e.g., gel filtration).
  • binding affinities and kinetics can be found in Paul, W.E., ed., Fundamental Immunology, 4th Ed., Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia (1999), which focuses on antibody-immunogen interactions.
  • a competitive binding assay is a radioimmunoassay comprising the incubation of labeled antigen with the antibody of interest in the presence of increasing amounts of unlabeled antigen, and the detection of the antibody bound to the labeled antigen.
  • the affinity of the antibody of interest for a particular antigen and the binding off-rates can be determined from the data by scatchard plot analysis. Competition with a second antibody can also be determined using radioimmunoassays, hi this case, the antigen is incubated with antibody of interest conjugated to a labeled compound in the presence of increasing amounts of an unlabeled second antibody. Other specific methods are disclosed herein, see Examples 2-4, infra. [0215]
  • the antibodies of the invention may be assayed for biological activity by any method known in the art.
  • the protocols and formulations of the invention are preferably tested in vitro, and then in vivo, for the desired therapeutic or prophylactic activity, prior to use in humans.
  • in vitro assays which can be used to determine whether administration of a specific therapeutic protocol formulation or combination therapy of the invention is indicated, include in vitro cell culture assays in which a patient tissue sample is grown in culture, and exposed to or otherwise contacted with a formulation of the invention, and the effect of such a formulation upon the tissue sample is observed.
  • the tissue sample can be obtained by biopsy from the patient.
  • in vitro assays can be carried out with representative cells of cell types involved in an autoimmune disorder, an inflammatory disorder, a disorder associated with aberrant expression and/or activity of HMGl and/or HMG2, to determine if a formulation of the invention has a desired effect upon such cell types.
  • a formulation of the invention has a desired effect upon such cell types.
  • a lower level of HMGl and/or HMG2 and/or proinflammatory cytokines produced by the contacted cells indicates that the composition of the invention maybe effective to treat the condition in the patient.
  • a formulation of the invention maybe screened using cells which can be stimulated by HMGl and/or HMG2 such as for example peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), THP-I cells or Macrophages (M0s).
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • M0s Macrophages
  • Many assays standard in the art can be used to assess cytokine production including ELISA assays, realtime PCR and other methods well known in the art. Specific methods are also disclosed herein (see Examples 2 and 6, infra).
  • Prophylactic or therapeutic agents can be tested in suitable animal model systems prior to testing in humans, including but not limited to in rats, mice, chicken, cows, monkeys, rabbits, hamsters, etc.
  • the present invention encompasses anti-HMGl antibodies as disclosed herein and is also directed to antibody compositions referred to herein as "antibody compositions of the invention," “compositions of the invention” or more simply as “compositions”, hi certain embodiments, the compositions .of the invention comprise an antibody of the invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • pharmaceutically- acceptable carrier means a chemical composition with which an antibody of the invention may be combined and which, following the combination, can be used to administer the antibody of the invention to a subject.
  • pharmaceutical compositions are also referred to herein as “pharmaceutical compositions", hi other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention.
  • the present further includes methods for treating a condition characterized by activation of the inflammatory cytokine cascade, including both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody or pharmaceutical composition of the invention.
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions are charactized by an inflammatory response of prolonged duration - weeks, months, or even indefinitely which results in tissue damage that is often permanent.
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions include but are not limited to, arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), cholecystitis.
  • Acute inflammatory conditions are usually charactized by a sudden onest of symptoms including, increased vascular permeability, oedema, systemic fever often resulting in tissue necrosis and may result in death.
  • Acute inflammatory conditions include but are not limited to, sepsis (e.g., due to microbial infection), hypersensitivity reactions, tissue necrosis and appendicitis.
  • the condition can be one where the inflammatory cytokine cascade causes a systemic reaction, such as with endotoxic shock.
  • the condition can be mediated by a localized inflammatory cytokine cascade, as in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • compositions of the invention comprise high affinity antibodies that specifically bind to an A box of HMGl (e.g., an epitope within SEQ ID NOS: 4, 28, 29).
  • compositions comprise high affinity antibodies of the invention that specifically bind to a B box of HMGl (e.g., an epitope within SEQ ID NOS: 4).
  • compositions of the invention comprise high affinity antibodies that specifically bind to an A box of HMG2 (e.g., an epitope within SEQ ID NOS: 22).
  • compositions comprise high affinity antibodies of the invention that specifically bind to a B box of HMG2 (e.g., an epitope within SEQ ID NOS: 23).
  • HMGl signaling is mediated, at least in part, via the RAGE and via members of the TLR family of proteins.
  • Both the A box and B box likely play a role in receptor binding and signaling.
  • a combination of antibodies (or other antagonists) which specifically bind the A box and antibodies (or other antagonists) which specifically bind the B box would effectively block HMGl binding to RAGE and/or TLR proteins.
  • compositions of the invention may comprise a combination of high affinity antibodies of the invention (or other HMGBl antibodies or antagonists), for example, but not byway of limitation, a combination of antibodies that specifically bind to an HMGl A box and antibodies that specifically bind a HMGl B box, or a combination of antibodies that specifically bind to an HMG2 A box and antibodies that specifically bind a HMG2 B box.
  • compositions comprise high affinity antibodies of the invention that specifically bind to an epitope derived from both the A box and B box of HMGl (e.g., an epitope which spans the junction between the A and B box).
  • compositions of the invention can comprise the high affinity antibodies of the present invention alone or in combination with other active therapeutic molecules and/or adjuvants such as steroids, other anti-inflammatory molecules, or other antibody therapeutics. More specifically, the compositions of the invention can comprise an antagonist of an early sepsis mediator.
  • the antagonist of an early sepsis mediator is in one embodiment, an antagonist of a cytokine selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL- l ⁇ , IL-I ⁇ , MIF and IL-6.
  • the antagonist of an early sepsis mediator is an antibody to TNF or MIF, or an IL-I receptor antagonist.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are pyrogen-free formulations which are substantially free of endotoxins and/or related pyrogenic substances.
  • Endotoxins include toxins that are confined inside a microorganism and are released only when the microorganisms are broken down or die.
  • Pyrogenic substances also include fever-inducing, thermostable substances (glycoproteins) from the outer membrane of bacteria and other microorganisms. Both of these substances can cause fever, hypotension and shock if administered to humans. Due to the potential harmful effects, even low amounts of endotoxins must be removed from intravenously administered pharmaceutical drug solutions.
  • FDA Food & Drug Administration
  • EU endotoxin units
  • the endotoxin and pyrogen levels in the composition are less then 10 EU/mg, or less then 5 EU/mg, or less then 1 EU/mg, or less then 0.1 EU/mg, or less then 0.01 EU/mg, or less then 0.001 EU/mg.
  • compositions described herein When used for in vivo administration, the compositions described herein should be sterile. This is readily accomplished, for example, by filtration through sterile filtration membranes or by other means well known in the art. Sterile compositions for injection can be formulated according to conventional pharmaceutical practice as described in Remington 1 S Pharmaceutical Sciences (180' ed, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, PA, 1990). Compositions comprising antibodies, such as those disclosed herein, ordinarily will be stored in lyophilized form or in solution.
  • sterile compositions comprising antibodies of the invention are placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having an adapter that allows retrieval of the formulation, such as a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.
  • a sterile access port for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having an adapter that allows retrieval of the formulation, such as a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.
  • the compositions described herein can inhibit a condition mediated or characterized by activation of an inflammatory cytokine cascade including both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, hi a specific embodiment, the compositions described herein are useful for the treatment of an acute inflammatory condition (e.g., sepsis), hi another specific embodiment, the compositions described herein are useful for the treatment of a chronic inflammatory condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), hi yet another embodiment, the compositions described herein are useful for the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • an acute inflammatory condition e.g., sepsis
  • a chronic inflammatory condition e.g., rheumatoid arthritis
  • the compositions described herein are useful for the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • compositions of the invention will be protective when administered to a subject having an inflammatory condition mediated or characterized by activation of an inflammatory cytokine cascade.
  • the protection conferred by a composition of the invention may be measured by methods well known in the art. Methods used to determine how protective a composition of the invention is will vary depending on the condition being treated and/or prevented and the measurements be examined. For example, in a rodent model of arthritis a comparison of the paw inflammation scores of animals treated with a composition of the invention and animals treated with an appropriate control composition may be used to determine how protective a composition of the invention is.
  • a comparison of the survival of animals treated with a composition of the invention and animals treated with an appropriate control composition may be used to determine protection conferred by antibody treatment.
  • treatment with a composition of the invention will be compared to certain control treatments.
  • a control treatment may comprise a control antibody or may comprise only excipient.
  • the control may be the standard of care (or an appropriate surrogate molecule) for treatment of a disease such as for example methotrexate or anti-TNFs (e.g., Enbrel, Humira) for treatment of arthritis.
  • the control may be a negative control (e.g., PBS).
  • composition of the invention may be administered either alone or in combination with the standard of care treatment and the level of protection for each group compared.
  • the choice of control will depend on factors including condition being treated and/or prevented and the measurements be examined and can be readily determined by one of skill in the art.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than a control composition, in an animal CLP sepsis model:
  • the compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than a control composition, in an animal CLP sepsis model selected from the group comprising, a mouse CLP model and a piglet CLP model.
  • the animal CLP model is the mouse CLP model.
  • the compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than a control composition, in a mouse collagen-induced arthritis model, hi a specific embodiment, the mouse collagen-induced arthritis model is the passive collagen- induced arthritis model. In another specific embodiment, the mouse collagen-induced arthritis model is the active collagen-induced arthritis model.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than Renbrel® (with or without methotrexate) in a mouse collagen-induced arthritis model
  • the mouse collagen-induced arthritis model is the passive collagen-induced arthritis model
  • the mouse collagen-induced arthritis model is the active collagen-induced arthritis model.
  • the compositions described herein reduce bone loss and/or cartilage damage (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) more than a control composition in a mouse collagen- induced arthritis model, hi a specific embodiment, the mouse collagen-induced arthritis model is the passive collagen-induced arthritis model. In another specific embodiment, the mouse collagen-induced arthritis model is the active collagen-induced arthritis model.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than a control composition in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than Renbrel® (with or without methotrexate) in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.
  • the compositions described herein reduce bone loss and/or cartilage damage (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) more than a control composition in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least , 90% ) than Enbrel® (with or without methotrexate) in humans.
  • compositions described herein are more protective (by at least 10% or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) than a control composition in a mouse peritonitis model.
  • the compositions described herein ameliorate the severity of spinal cord injury (SCI) (by at least 10%, or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) more than a control composition in a human or in a rodent SCI model.
  • SCI spinal cord injury
  • compositions described herein ameliorate the severity of acute lung injury (ALI) (by at least 10%, or at least 15 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 30 %, or at least 40%, or at least 50 %, or at least 60%, or at least 70 %, or at least 80%, or at least 90% ) more than a control composition in a human or in a rodent ALI model.
  • ALI acute lung injury
  • the present invention is also directed to a method of inhibiting release of a proinflammatory cytokine from a mammalian cell.
  • the method comprises treating the cell with an antibody or antibody composition of the present invention in an amount sufficient to inhibit release of the proinflammatory cytokine from the cell.
  • the cell is preferably a macrophage, hi certain embodiments, the proinflammatory cytokine is selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL-l ⁇ , IL-I ⁇ , MIF and IL-6. In other embodiments, the cell is a macrophage and the proinflammatory cytokine is selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL-l ⁇ , IL-l ⁇ , MIF and IL-6.
  • the cell is a PBMC and the proinflammatory cytokine is selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL- l ⁇ , IL-l ⁇ , MIF and IL-6.
  • the methods treat a cell in a patient suffering from, or at risk for, a condition characterized by activation of the inflammatory cytokine cascade. Specific conditions are enumerated herein.
  • the present invention is also directed to a method of the inhibiting release of HMGl and/or HMG2 from a mammalian cell.
  • the method comprises treating the cell with an antibody or antibody composition of the present invention in an amount sufficient to inhibit release of HMGl and/or HMG2 from the cell.
  • the methods preferably treat a cell in a patient suffering from, or at risk for, a condition characterized by activation of the inflammatory cytokine cascade. Preferred conditions are enumerated herein.
  • Methods to determine the inhibition of cytokines, HMGl and/or HMG2 release can be determined by numerous methods well known in the art such as those described above and disclosed herein (see Examples 2-11, infra).
  • a "therapeutically effective amount,” an “amount sufficient” and like terms refers to that amount of the therapeutic agent, e.g., an HMGl antibody composition of the invention, sufficient to treat or manage a disease or disorder mediated by HMGl and/or HMG2.
  • a therapeutically effective amount may refer to the amount of therapeutic agent sufficient to delay or minimize the onset of the disease, e.g., delay or minimize the severity of a disease.
  • a therapeutically effective amount may also refer to the amount of the therapeutic agent that provides a therapeutic benefit in the treatment or management of an inflammatory disorder.
  • a therapeutically effective amount with respect to a pharmaceutical composition of the invention means that amount of therapeutic agent alone, or in combination with other therapies, that provides a therapeutic benefit in the, treatment or management a disease, e.g., an inflammatory disease.
  • the present invention further provides methods of preventing, managing, treating or ameliorating an inflammatory disorder or one or more symptoms thereof, said methods comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody composition of the invention and/or one or more therapies.
  • Any agent or therapy which is known to be useful, or which has been used or is currently being used for the prevention, management, treatment or amelioration of an inflammatory disorder or one or more symptoms thereof can be used in combination with an antibody composition of the invention.
  • agents include, but are not limited to, immunomodulatory agents, an anti-angiogenic agents, anti-inflammatory agents and TNF-.alpha. antagonists.
  • Nonlimiting examples of conditions which can be usefully treated using the antibody compositions, i.e., pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include those conditions enumerated in the background section of this specification and below.
  • the condition is appendicitis, peptic, gastric or duodenal ulcers, peritonitis, pancreatitis, ulcerative, pseudomembranous, acute or ischemic colitis, diverticulitis, epiglottitis, achalasia, cholangitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, Crohn's disease, enteritis, Whipple's disease, asthma, allergy, anaphylactic shock, immune complex disease, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, organ necrosis, hay fever, sepsis, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cachexia, hyperpyrexia, eosinophilic granuloma, granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, septic abortion, epididymit
  • the invention is directed to methods of administering and using compositions and antibodies or the invention to treat and/or prevent a condition selected from the group consisting of appendicitis, peptic, gastric and duodenal ulcers, peritonitis, pancreatitis, ulcerative, pseudomembranous, acute and ischemic colitis, hepatitis, Crohn's disease, asthma, allergy, anaphylactic shock, rheumatoid arthritis, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, organ necrosis, hay fever, sepsis, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cachexia, septic abortion, disseminated bacteremia, burns, Alzheimer's disease, coeliac disease, congestive heart failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral infarction, cerebral embolism, spinal cord injury, paralysis, allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease, hi the most preferred embodiments, the condition is endotoxic shock or allograft rejection.
  • a condition selected from the group consisting
  • a specific preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to methods of administering and using compositions and antibodies of the invention to treat and/or prevent sepsis and arthritis (e.g., RA, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis).
  • a specific preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to methods of administering and using compositions and antibodies of the invention to treat and prevent psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Another specific preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to methods of administering and using compositions and antibodies of the invention to treat and prevent restenosis, vascular diseases, and cardiovascular disease.
  • Yet another specific preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to methods of administering and using compositions and antibodies of the invention to treat and prevent tissue damage and to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
  • any agent or therapy which is known to be useful, or which has been used or is currently being used for the prevention, management, treatment or amelioration of an inflammatory disorder or one or more symptoms thereof can be used in combination with an antibody composition of the invention.
  • immunomodulatory agents which can be administered in combination with an antibody composition of the invention to a subject with an inflammatory disorder include, but are not limited to, methotrexate, leflunomide, cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan, Immuran, cyclosporine A, minocycline, azathioprine, antibiotics (e.g., FK506 (tacrolimus)), methylprednisolone (MP), corticosteroids, steroids, mycophenolate mofetil, rapamycin (sirolimus), mizoribine, deoxyspergualin, brequinar, malononitriloamindes (e.g., leflunamide), anti-T cell receptor antibodies (e.g.,
  • anti-CD5 antibodies e.g., an anti-CD5 ricin-linked immunoconjugate
  • anti-CD7 antibodies e.g., CHH-380 (Novartis)
  • anti-CD8 antibodies anti-CD40 ligand monoclonal antibodies
  • anti-CD52 antibodies e.g., CAMPATH IH (Ilex)
  • anti-CD2 antibodies e.g., MEDI-507 (Medlmmune, Inc., International Publication Nos.
  • anti-CDl la antibodies e.g., Xanelim (Genentech)
  • anti-B7 antibodies e.g., IDEC- 114)
  • anti-cytokine receptor antibodies e.g., anti-IFN receptor antibodies, anti-IL-2 receptor antibodies (e.g., Zenapax (Protein Design Labs)
  • anti-IL-4 receptor antibodies e.g., anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies, anti-IL-10 receptor antibodies, and anti-IL-12 receptor antibodies
  • anti-cytokine antibodies e.g., anti-IFN antibodies, anti-TNF-. alpha, antibodies, anti-IL-.beta.
  • anti-CD22 antibodies e.g., non-ligand blocking antibodies such as Epratuzumab (Immunomedics) and ligand blocking antibodies (e.g., U.S. Patent Publictions2004/0001828 and 2003/0202975)
  • CTLA4-immunoglobulin LFA-3TIP (Biogen, International Publication No. WO 93/08656 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,432)
  • soluble cytokine receptors e.g., the extracellular domain of a TNF-.alpha.
  • cytokines or fragments thereof e.g., interleukin (IL)-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-I l, IL-12, IL-15, TNF-.alpha., TNF-.beta., interferon (IFN)-.
  • IL interleukin
  • IFN interferon
  • anti-cytokine antibodies e.g., anti-IL-2 antibodies, anti-IL-4 antibodies, anti-IL-6 antibodies, anti-IL-10 antibodies, anti-IL-12 antibodies, anti-IL-15 antibodies, anti-TNF- .alpha, antibodies, and anti-IFN-.gamma. antibodies).
  • Non-limiting examples of anti-angiogenic agents which can be administered in combination with an antibody composition of the invention to a subject with an inflammatory disorder include Vitaxin® (Medlmmune) or other anti-alpha v beta3 antibodies (e.g., CNTO95 (Centocor)), endostatin, angiostatin, apomigren, anti-angiogenic antithrombin III, the 29 kDa N-teraiinal and a 40 kDa C-terminal proteolytic fragments of fibronectin, a uPA receptor antagonist, the 16 kDa proteolytic fragment of prolactin, the 7.8 kDa proteolytic fragment of platelet factor-4, the anti-angiogenic 24 amino acid fragment of platelet factor-4, the anti-angiogenic factor designated 13.40, the anti-angiogenic 22 amino acid peptide fragment of thrombospondin I, the anti-angiogenic 20 amino acid peptide fragment of SPARC, RGD and NGR containing peptides
  • Non-limiting examples of TNF-. alpha, antagonists which can be administered in combination with an antibody composition of the invention to a subject with an inflammatory disorder include proteins, polypeptides, peptides, fusion proteins, antibodies (e.g., human, humanized, chimeric, monoclonal, polyclonal, Fvs, ScFvs, Fab fragments, F(ab).sub.2 fragments, and antigen-binding fragments thereof) such as antibodies that immunospecifically bind to TNF-.
  • nucleic acid molecules e.g., antisense molecules or triple helices
  • organic molecules inorganic molecules
  • small molecules that blocks, reduces, inhibits or neutralizes the function, activity and/or expression of TNF-.alpha..
  • a TNF-.alpha. antagonist reduces the function, activity and/or expression of TNF-.alpha.
  • TNF-.alpha examples include, but are not limited to, infliximab (REMIC ADE.TM.; Centacor), D2E7 (Abbott Laboratories/Knoll Pharmaceuticals Co., Mt.
  • the present invention also encompasses the use of antibodies that immunospecifically bind to TNF-.alpha. disclosed in the following U.S. patents in the compositions and methods of the invention: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,136,021; 5,147,638; 5,223,395; 5,231,024; 5,334,380;
  • TNF-.alpha receptors include, but are not limited to, sTNF-Rl (Amgen), etanercept (ENBRELTM; Immunex) and its rat homolog RENBRELTM, soluble inhibitors of TNF-.alpha.
  • TNFrI TNFrII
  • TNFrII Kohno et al., 1990, Proc. Natl. Acad. ScL USA 87:8331-8335
  • TNF-.alpha. Inh Seckinger et al, 1990, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sd. USA 87:5188-5192.
  • TNF-.alpha. antagonists encompassed by the invention include, but are not limited to, IL-10, which is known to block TNF-.alpha. production via interferon .gamma.-activated macrophages (Oswald et al. 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. ScL USA 89:8676- 8680), TNFR-IgG (Ashkenazi et al., 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad.
  • Non-limiting examples of anti-inflammatory agents which can be administered in combination with an antibody composition of the invention to a subject with an inflammatory disorder include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-agonists, anticholingeric agents, and methyl xanthines.
  • NSAIDs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • beta-agonists beta-agonists
  • anticholingeric agents methyl xanthines
  • NSAIDs include, but are not limited to, aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib (CELEBREX.TM.), diclofenac (VOLTAREN.TM.), etodolac (LODINE.TM.), fenoprofen (NALFON.TM.), indomethacin (INDOCIN.TM.), ketoralac (TORADOL.TM.), oxaprozin (DAYPRO.TM.), nabumentone (RELAFEN.TM.), sulindac (CLINORIL.TM.), tolmentin (TOLECTIN.TM.), rofecoxib (VIOXX.TM.), naproxen (ALEVE.TM., NAPROSYN.TM.), ketoprofen (ACTRON.TM.) and nabumetone (RELAFEN.TM.).
  • NSAIDs function by inhibiting a cyclooxgenase enzyme (e.g., COX-I and/or COX-2).
  • a cyclooxgenase enzyme e.g., COX-I and/or COX-2.
  • steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs include, but are not limited to, glucocorticoids, dexamethasone (DECADRON.TM.), cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (DELT ASONE.TM.), prednisolone, triamcinolone, azulfidine, and eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes.
  • patients with osteoarthritis are administered a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of an antibody composition of the invention in combination with other agents or therapies useful for osteoarthritis prevention, treatment, management or amelioration including but not limited to: analgesics (non-limiting examples are acetaminophen, in a dose up to 4000 mg/d; phenacetin; and tramadol, in a daily dose in the range of 200 to 300 mg); NSAIDs (non-limiting examples include but not limited to, aspirin, diflunisal, diclofenac, etodolac, fenamates, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, methylsalicylate, nebumetone, naproxin, oxaprazin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, and tolmetin.
  • analgesics non-limiting examples are
  • NSAIDs Low dose NSAIDs are preferred, e.g., ibuprofen at 1200 mg/d, naproxen at 500 mg/d.
  • a gastroprotective agent e.g., misoprostol, famotidine or omeprazole, is preferred to use concurrently with a NSAID); nonacetylated salicylates including but not limited to salsalate; cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2-specific inhibitors (CSIs), including but not limited to, celecoxib and rofecoxib; intra- or periarticular injection of a depot glucocorticoid preparation; intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid; capsaicin cream; copious irrigation of the osteroarthritis knee to flush out fibrin, cartilage shards and other debris; and joint replacement surgery.
  • Cox-2-specific inhibitors including but not limited to, celecoxib and rofecoxib
  • the antibody compositions of the invention can also be used in combination with other nonpharmacologic measures in prevention, treatment, management and amelioration of osteoarthritis including but not limited to: reduction of joint loading (non-limiting examples are correction of poor posture, support for excessive lumbar lordosis, avoid excessive loading of the involved joint, avoid prolonged standing, kneeling and squatting); application of heat to the affected joint; aerobic exercise and other physical therapies.
  • patients with rheumatoid arthritis are administered a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of an antibody composition of the invention in combination with other agents or therapies useful in prevention, treatment, management and amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis including but not limited to: NSAIDs (non-limiting examples include but not limited to, aspirin, diflunisal, diclofenac, etodolac, fenamates, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, methylsalicylate, nebumetone, naproxin, oxaprazin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, and tolmetin.); analgesics (non-limiting examples are acetaminophen, phenacetin and tramadol); CSIs including but not limited to, celecoxib and rofecoxi
  • neutralizing agents including but not limited to, etanercept and infliximab; immunosuppressive and cytotoxic agents (examples include but not limited to, azathioprine, leflunomide, cyclosporine, and cyclophosphamide), and surgery (examples include but not limited to, arthroplasties, total joint replacement, reconstructive hand surgery, open or arthroscopic synovectomy, and early tenosynovectomy of the wrist).
  • immunosuppressive and cytotoxic agents include but not limited to, azathioprine, leflunomide, cyclosporine, and cyclophosphamide
  • surgery examples include but not limited to, arthroplasties, total joint replacement, reconstructive hand surgery, open or arthroscopic synovectomy, and early tenosynovectomy of the wrist).
  • the antibody compositions of the invention may also be used in combination with other measures in prevention, treatment, management and amelioration of the rheumatoid arthritis including but not limited to: rest, splinting to reduce unwanted motion of inflamed joint, exercise, used of a variety of orthotic and assistive devices, and other physical therapies.
  • the antibody compositions of the invention may also be used in combination with some nontraditional approaches in prevention, treatment, management and amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis including but not limited to, diets (e.g., substituting omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid found in certain fish oils for dietary omega-6 essential fatty acids found in meat), vaccines, hormones and topical preparations.
  • patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are administered a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of an antibody composition of the invention alone or in combination with other agents or therapies useful in prevention, treatment, management and amelioration of COPD including, but not limited to: bronchodilators including but not limited to, short- and long- acting .beta..sub.2- adrenergic agonists (examples of short-acting .beta..sub.2 agonist include but not limited to, albuterol, pirbuterol, terbutaline, and metaproterenol; examples of long-acting .beta..
  • sub.2 agonist include but not limited to, oral sustained-release albuterol and inhaled salmeterol), anticholinergics (examples include but not limited to ipratropium bromide), and theophylline and its derivatives (therapeutic range for theophylline is preferably 10-20 .mu.g/mL); glucocorticoids; exogenous .alpha.. sub. IAT (e.g., . alpha..
  • sub.lAT derived from pooled human plasma administered intravenously in a weekly dose of 60 mg/kg ); oxygen; lung transplantation; lung volume reduction surgery; endotracheal intubation, ventilation support; yearly influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccination with 23-valent polysaccharide; exercise; and smoking cessation.
  • patients with pulmonary fibrosis are administered a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of an antibody composition of the invention alone or in combination with an effective amount of one or more other agents useful for pulmonary fibrosis therapy including but not limited to: oxygen; corticosteroids (a non-limiting example is to administer daily prednisone beginning at 1-1.5 mg/kg/d (up to 100 mg/d) for six weeks and tapering slowly over 3-6 months to a minimum maintenance dose of 0.25 mg/kg/d); cytotoxic drugs (non-limiting examples are cyclophosphamide at 100-120 mg orally once daily, and azathioprine at 3 mg/kg up to 200 mg orally once daily); bronchodilators (non-limiting examples are short- and long- acting .beta..sub.2-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergics, and theophylline and its derivatives); and antihistamines (non- limiting examples are diphenhydramine and
  • patients with SCI are administered prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of an antibody composition of the invention alone or in combination with an effective amount of one or more other agents useful for SCI therapy including but not limited to: glucocorticoid steroids (a non-limiting example is to administer methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg bolus over 15 minutes and an infusion of methylprednisolone at 5.4 mg/kg/h for 23 hours beginning 45 minutes after the bolus), neuroprotectors (e.g., minocyclin), regeneration therapies (e.g., stem cell treatments, hydrogels), weak electrical fields (e.g., extraspinal oscillating field stimulator implantable medical device).
  • glucocorticoid steroids e.g., to administer methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg bolus over 15 minutes and an infusion of methylprednisolone at 5.4 mg/kg/h for 23 hours beginning 45 minutes after the bolus
  • neuroprotectors e.g., mino
  • patients with asthma are administered a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of an antibody composition of the invention alone or in combination with an effective amount of one or more other agents useful for asthma therapy including but not limited to: adrenergic stimulants (examples include but not limited to, catecholamines, e.g., epinephrine, isoproterenol, and isoetharine; resorcinols, e.g., metaproterenol, terbutaline, and fenoterol; and saligenins, e.g., salbutamol.
  • adrenergic stimulants include but not limited to, catecholamines, e.g., epinephrine, isoproterenol, and isoetharine
  • resorcinols e.g., metaproterenol, terbutaline, and fenoterol
  • saligenins e.g., salbutamol.
  • methylxanthines including but not limited to theophylline and its various salts
  • anticholinergics including but not limited to, atropine sulfate, atropine methylnitrate, and ipratropium bromide
  • glucocorticoids examples including but not limited to systemic or oral steroids, and inhaled glucocorticoids
  • mast cell stabilizing agents include but not limited to, cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium
  • leukotriene modifiers include but not limited to, Zileuton, zafirlukast and montelukast
  • immunosuppressant agents include but not limited to, methotrexate and gold salts
  • mucolytic agents examples include but not limited to acetylcysteine
  • the invention provides methods of treatment, inhibition and prophylaxis by administration to a subject of an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition of the invention, preferably an antibody of the invention, hi a preferred embodiment, the compound is substantially purified (e.g., substantially 'free from substances that limit its effect or produce undesired side effects).
  • the subject is preferably an animal, including but not limited to animals such as cows, pigs, horses, chickens, cats, dogs, etc., and is preferably a mammal, and most preferably human.
  • Formulations and methods of administration that can be employed when the compound comprises a nucleic acid or an immunoglobulin are described above; additional appropriate formulations and routes of administration can be selected from among those described herein below.
  • Various delivery systems are known and can be used to administer a compound of the invention, e.g., encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles, microcapsules, recombinant cells capable of expressing the compound, receptor-mediated endocytosis (see, e.g., Wu and Wu, J. Biol. Chem. 262:4429-4432 (1987)), construction of a nucleic acid as part of a retroviral or other vector, etc.
  • Methods of introduction include but are not limited to intradermal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal, epidural, and oral routes.
  • the compounds or compositions may be administered by any convenient route, for example by infusion or bolus injection, by absorption through epithelial or mucocutaneous linings (e.g., oral mucosa, rectal and intestinal mucosa, etc.) and may be administered together with other biologically active agents. Administration can be systemic or local.
  • Pulmonary administration can also be employed, e.g., by use of an inhaler or nebulizer, and formulation with an aerosolizing agent.
  • the pharmaceutical compounds or compositions of the invention may be desirable to administer the pharmaceutical compounds or compositions of the invention locally to the area in need of treatment; this may be achieved by, for example, and not by way of limitation, local infusion during surgery, topical application, e.g., in conjunction with a wound dressing after surgery, by injection, by means of a catheter, by means of a suppository, or by means of an implant, said implant being of a porous, non-porous, or gelatinous material, including membranes, such as sialastic membranes, or fibers.
  • a protein including an antibody
  • care must be taken to use materials to which the protein does not absorb.
  • the compound or composition can be delivered in a vesicle, in particular a liposome (see Langer, Science 249:1527-1533 (1990); Treat et al., in Liposomes in the Therapy of Infectious Disease and Cancer, Lopez-Berestein and Fidler (eds.), Liss, New York, pp. 353-365 (1989); Lopez-Berestein, ibid., pp. 317-327; see generally ibid.)
  • the compound or composition can be delivered in a controlled release system, hi one embodiment, a pump may be used (see Langer, supra; Sefton, 1987, CRC Crit. Ref. Biomed. Eng. 14:201; Buchwald et al., 1980, Surgery 88:507; Saudek et al., 1989, N. Engl. J. Med. 321 :574).
  • polymeric materials can be used (see Medical Applications of Controlled Release, Langer and Wise (eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, FIa.
  • a controlled release system can be placed in proximity of the therapeutic target, i.e., the brain, thus requiring only a fraction of the systemic dose (see, e.g., Goodson, in Medical Applications of Controlled Release, supra, vol. 2, pp. 115-138 (1984)).
  • Other controlled release systems are discussed in the review by Langer (1990, Science 249:1527-1533).
  • the nucleic acid can be administered in vivo to promote expression of its encoded protein, by constructing it as part of an appropriate nucleic acid expression vector and administering it so that it becomes intracellular, e.g., by use of a retroviral vector (see U.S. Pat. No.
  • a nucleic acid can be introduced intracellularly and incorporated within host cell DNA for expression, by homologous recombination.
  • the present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions.
  • compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable means approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or a state government or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for use in animals, and more particularly in humans.
  • carrier refers to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which the therapeutic is administered.
  • Such pharmaceutical carriers can be sterile liquids, such as water and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. Water is a preferred carrier when the pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously.
  • Saline solutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can also be employed as liquid carriers, particularly for injectable solutions.
  • suitable pharmaceutical excipients include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like.
  • the composition if desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. These compositions can take the form of solutions, suspensions, emulsion, tablets, pills, capsules, powders, sustained-release formulations and the like.
  • composition can be formulated as a suppository, with traditional binders and carriers such as triglycerides.
  • Oral formulation can include standard carriers such as pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate, etc. Examples of suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W. Martin.
  • Such compositions will contain a therapeutically effective amount of the compound, preferably in purified form, together with a suitable amount of carrier so as to provide the form for proper administration to the patient.
  • the formulation should suit the mode of administration.
  • the composition is formulated in accordance with routine procedures as a pharmaceutical composition adapted for intravenous administration to human beings.
  • compositions for intravenous administration are solutions in sterile isotonic aqueous buffer.
  • the composition may also include a solubilizing agent and a local anesthetic such as lignocaine to ease pain at the site of the injection.
  • the ingredients are supplied either separately or mixed together in unit dosage form, for example, as a dry lyophilized powder or water free concentrate in a hermetically sealed container such as an ampoule or sachette indicating the quantity of active agent.
  • composition is to be administered by infusion, it can be dispensed with an infusion bottle containing sterile pharmaceutical grade water or saline.
  • an ampoule of sterile water for injection or saline can be provided so that the ingredients may be mixed prior to administration.
  • the compounds of the invention can be formulated as neutral or salt forms.
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those formed with anions such as those derived from hydrochloric, phosphoric, acetic, oxalic, tartaric acids, etc., and those formed with cations such as those derived from sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, ferric hydroxides, isopropylamine, triethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, etc.
  • the amount of the compound of the invention which will be effective in the treatment, inhibition and prevention of a disease or disorder associated with aberrant expression and/or activity of a polypeptide of the invention can be determined by standard clinical techniques. In addition, in vitro assays may optionally be employed to help identify optimal dosage ranges. The precise dose to be employed in the formulation will also depend on the route of administration, and the seriousness of the disease or disorder, and should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and each patient's circumstances. Effective doses may be extrapolated from dose-response curves derived from in vitro or animal model test systems. [0272] For antibodies, the dosage administered to a patient is typically 0.1 mg/kg to
  • the dosage administered to a patient is between 0.1 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of the patient's body weight, more preferably 1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg of the patient's body weight.
  • human antibodies have a longer half-life within the human body than antibodies from other species due to the immune response to the foreign polypeptides. Thus, lower dosages of human antibodies and less frequent administration is often possible.
  • the dosage and frequency of administration of antibodies of the invention may be reduced by enhancing uptake and tissue penetration (e.g., into the brain) of the antibodies by modifications such as, for example, lipidation.
  • the invention also provides a pharmaceutical pack or kit comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the ingredients of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.
  • a pharmaceutical pack or kit comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the ingredients of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.
  • Optionally associated with such container(s) can be a notice in the form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals or biological products, which notice reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use or sale for human administration.
  • the excipient included with the polypeptide in these compositions is chosen based on the expected route of administration of the composition in therapeutic applications.
  • the route of administration of the composition depends on the condition to be treated. For example, intravenous injection may be preferred for treatment of a systemic disorder such as endotoxic shock, and oral administration may be preferred to treat a gastrointestinal disorder such as a gastric ulcer.
  • the route of administration and the dosage of the composition to be administered can be determined by the skilled artisan without undue experimentation in conjunction with standard dose-response studies. Relevant circumstances to be considered in making those determinations include the condition or conditions to be treated, the choice of composition to be administered, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient, and the severity of the patient's symptoms.
  • the antibody composition can be administered orally, parenterally, intranasally, vaginally, rectally, lingually, sublingually, bucally, intrabuccaly and transdermally to the patient.
  • compositions designed for oral, lingual, sublingual, buccal and intrabuccal administration can be made without undue experimentation by means well known in the art, for example, with an inert diluent or with an edible carrier.
  • the compositions may be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, chewing gums and the like.
  • Tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like may also contain binders, recipients, disintegrating agent, lubricants, sweetening agents, and flavoring agents.
  • binders include microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin.
  • excipients include starch or lactose.
  • disintegrating agents include alginic acid, corn starch and the like.
  • lubricants include magnesium stearate or potassium stearate.
  • An example of a glidant is colloidal silicon dioxide.
  • sweetening agents include sucrose, saccharin and the like.
  • flavoring agents include peppermint, methyl salicylate, orange flavoring and the like.
  • compositions of the present invention can easily be administered parenterally such as, for example, by intravenous, intramuscular, intrathecal or subcutaneous injection. Parenteral administration can be accomplished by incorporating the antibody compositions of the present invention into a solution or suspension. Such solutions or suspensions may also include sterile diluents such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents.
  • Parenteral formulations may also include antibacterial agents such as, for example, benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens, antioxidants such as, for example, ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite and chelating agents such as EDTA. Buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose may also be added.
  • antibacterial agents such as, for example, benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens
  • antioxidants such as, for example, ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite
  • chelating agents such as EDTA.
  • Buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose may also be added.
  • the parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.
  • Rectal administration includes administering the pharmaceutical compositions into the rectum or large intestine. This can be accomplished using suppositories or enemas.
  • Suppository formulations can easily be made by methods known in the art. For example, suppository formulations can be prepared by heating glycerin to about 120C, dissolving the antibody composition in the glycerin, mixing the heated glycerin after which purified water may be added, and pouring the hot mixture into a suppository mold.
  • Transdermal administration includes percutaneous absorption of the composition through the skin.
  • Transdermal formulations include patches, ointments, creams, gels, salves and the like.
  • an early sepsis mediator is a proinflammatory cytokine that is released from cells soon (i.e., within 30-60 min.) after induction of an inflammatory cytokine cascade (e.g., exposure to LPS).
  • cytokines include TNF, IL-l ⁇ , IL-l ⁇ , IL-6, PAF, and MIF.
  • receptors for these cytokines for example, tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1
  • enzymes required for production of these cytokines for example, interleukin-l ⁇ converting enzyme).
  • Antagonists of any early sepsis mediator can be useful for these embodiments by further inhibiting an inflammatory cytokine cascade.
  • Nonlimiting examples of antagonists of early sepsis mediators are antisense compounds that bind to the mRNA of the early sepsis mediator, preventing its expression (see, e.g., Ojwang et al., 1997, Biochemistry 36:6033-6045; Pampfer et al., 1995, Biol. Reprod. 52:1316-1326; U.S. Patent No. 6,228,642; Yahata et al., 1996, Antisense Nucleic Acid Drug Dev.
  • Labeled antibodies, and derivatives and analogs thereof, which specifically bind to a polypeptide of interest can be used for diagnostic purposes to detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases and/or disorders associated with the aberrant expression and/or activity of a polypeptide of the invention.
  • the invention provides for the detection of aberrant expression of a polypeptide of interest, comprising (a) assaying the expression of the polypeptide of interest in cells or body fluid of an individual using one or more antibodies specific to the polypeptide interest and (b) comparing the level of gene expression with a standard gene expression level, whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed polypeptide gene expression level compared to the standard expression level is indicative of aberrant expression.
  • the invention provides a diagnostic assay for diagnosing a disorder, comprising (a) assaying the expression of the polypeptide of interest in cells or body fluid of an individual using one or more antibodies specific to the polypeptide interest and (b) comparing the level of gene expression with a standard gene expression level, whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed polypeptide gene expression level compared to the standard expression level is indicative of a particular disorder.
  • Antibodies of the invention can be used to assay protein levels in a biological sample using classical irnmunohistological methods known to those of skill in the art (e.g., see Jalkanen, et al., 1985, J. Cell. Biol. 101:976-985; Jalkanen, et al., 1987, J. Cell. Biol. 105:3087-3096).
  • Other antibody-based methods useful for detecting protein gene expression include immunoassays, such as the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the radioimmunoassay (RIA).
  • Techniques known in the art may be applied to label antibodies of the invention. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of bifunctional conjugating agents (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,756,065; 5,714,631; 5,696,239; 5,652,361; 5,505,931; 5,489,425; 5,435,990; 5,428,139; 5,342,604; 5,274,119; 4,994,560; and 5,808,003).
  • diagnosis comprises: (a) administering (for example, parenterally, subcutaneously, or intraperitoneally) to a subject an effective amount of a labeled molecule which specifically binds to the polypeptide of interest; (b) waiting for a time interval following the administering for permitting the labeled molecule to preferentially concentrate at sites in the subject where the polypeptide is expressed (and for unbound labeled molecule to be cleared to background level); (c) determining background level; and (d) detecting the labeled molecule in the subject, such that detection of labeled molecule above the background level indicates that the subject has a particular disease or disorder associated with aberrant expression of the polypeptide of interest.
  • Background level can be determined by various methods including, comparing the amount of labeled molecule detected to a standard value previously determined for
  • antibodies of the invention may be used to treat, diagnose, or prognose an individual having sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, peritonitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis, anaphylactic shock, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, and allograft rejection.
  • the size of the subject and the imaging system used will determine the quantity of imaging moiety needed to produce diagnostic images.
  • the quantity of radioactivity injected will normally range from about 5 to 20 millicuries of 99 Tc.
  • the labeled antibody or antibody fragment will then preferentially accumulate at the location of cells which contain the specific protein.
  • In vivo rumor imaging is described in S. W. Burchiel et al., "Immunopharmacokinetics of Radiolabeled Antibodies and Their Fragments.” (Chapter 13 in Tumor Imaging: The Radiochemical Detection of Cancer, S. W. Burchiel and B. A. Rhodes, eds., Masson Publishing Inc. (1982).
  • the time interval following the administration for permitting the labeled molecule to preferentially concentrate at sites in the subject and for unbound labeled molecule to be cleared to background level is 6 to 48 hours or 6 to 24 hours or 6 to 12 hours. In another embodiment the time interval following administration is 5 to 20 days or 5 to 10 days.
  • monitoring of the disease or disorder is carried out by repeating the method for diagnosing the disease or disease, for example, one month after initial diagnosis, six months after initial diagnosis, one year after initial diagnosis, etc.
  • Presence of the labeled molecule can be detected in the patient using methods known in the art for in vivo scanning. These methods depend upon the type of label used. Skilled artisans will be able to determine the appropriate method for detecting a particular . label. Methods and devices that may be used in the diagnostic methods of the invention include, but are not limited to, computed tomography (CT), whole body scan such as position emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and sonography.
  • CT computed tomography
  • PET position emission tomography
  • MRI magnetic resonance imaging
  • sonography Sonography
  • the molecule is labeled with a radioisotope and is detected in the patient using a radiation responsive surgical instrument (Thurston et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,050).
  • the molecule is labeled with a fluorescent compound and is detected in the patient using a fluorescence responsive scanning instrument.
  • the molecule is labeled with a positron emitting metal and is detected in the patent using positron emission-tomography.
  • the molecule is labeled with a paramagnetic label and is detected in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Table 3 Legend for Sequence Listing
  • Nucleotide sequences are designated “nt” amino acid sequences are designated “aa” 6. Examples
  • a large panel of human anti-HMGl antibodies were isolated from a na ⁇ ve human Fab phage display library by several rounds of panning against human HMGl (SEQ ID NO: 1 and 2, also see Figure 1).
  • the clones were then sequenced to eliminate duplicate clones and the Fab fragments were subcloned into an expression vector for the production of full length IgG.
  • the nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequences of the variable regions of the light and heavy chains of several antibody clones (G2, G4, G9, Gl 2, Gl 6, G20, G34, G35, S2, S6, SlO, S12, S14, S16, S17 and El 1) are provided in the sequence listing (see Table 3 for specific SEQ ID NOS.).
  • Figure 2 represents the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of several antibody clones (S2, S6, Sl 6 and G4) that have been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (deposit numbers PTA-6142, PTA-6143, PTA-6259 and PTA-6258, respectively). Also shown in Figure 2 are the variable regions heavy and light chains of the anti-HMGl antibody El 1.
  • the CDRs for each antibody depicted in Figure 2 are underlined and provided in the sequence listing (see Table 3 for specific SEQ ID NOS.). The resulting full length antibodies were purified and their physical characteristics were determined as described below. As summarized in Table 1, these analysis show that the human anti-HMGl antibodies developed exhibit a wide range of characteristics. 6.1.1 Materials and Methods
  • the immunotube is then rinsed with PBS 2X. and the phage are transferred to the immunotube and mixed by rotating for 30 min and then allow to incubate for an additional 1.5 hrs stationary.
  • Ill The immunotube is washed with PBST (PBS + 0.1% Tween 20) 10-20 times then PBS 10-20 times and the phage are eluted with 1 ml of 100 mM triethylamine. Eluted phage are neutralized with 0.5 ml of 1 M Tris-HCl (pH 7.5).
  • IV) 1 volume of eluted neutralized phage are mixed with 5 volumes of log phase TGl and 4 volume of 2YT. Incubate at 37 0 C for 30 min (water bath). The infected cells are harvested by centrifugation and resuspended in 2YT and plated on 2YT agar with carbenicillin and 2% glucose.
  • Isoelectric Focusing Gel Electrophoresis Isoelectric points were determined using a Pharmacia Biotech Multiphor 2 electrophoresis system with a multi temp 3 refrigerated bath recirculation unit and an EPS 3501 XL power supply. Pre-cast ampholine gels (Amersham Biosciences, pi range 2.5-10) were loaded with 5 ⁇ g of protein. Broad range pi marker standards (Amersham, pi range 3-10, 8 ⁇ L) were used to determine relative pi for the Mabs. Electrophoresis was performed at 1500 V, 50 mA for 105 minutes.. The gel was fixed using a Sigma fixing solution (5x) diluted with purified water to Ix.
  • 5x Sigma fixing solution
  • Staining was performed overnight at room temperature using Simply Blue stain (Invitrogen). Destaining was carried out with a solution that consisted of 25% ethanol, 8% acetic acid and 67% purified water. Isoelectric points were determined using a Bio-Rad Densitometer relative to calibration curves of the standards.
  • T m Thermal melting temperatures
  • VP-DSC MicroCal, LLC
  • a filter period of 8 seconds was used along with a 5 minute pre-scan thermostating.
  • Samples were prepared by dialysis into 25 mM Histidine-HCl, pH 6 using Pierce dialysis cups (3.5 kD).
  • Average Mab concentrations were 50 ⁇ g/mL as determined by A 280 .
  • Melting temperatures were determined following manufacturer procedures using Origin software supplied with the system. Briefly, multiple baselines were run with buffer in both the sample and reference cell to establish thermal equilibrium. After the baseline was subtracted from the sample " thermogram, the data were concentration normalized and fitted using the deconvolution function.
  • Recombinant HMGl is purified from E. coli as a calmodulin binding protein (CBP) fusion protein (CBP is fused to N- terminal end of HMGBl).
  • CBP calmodulin binding protein
  • E. coli expressing CBP-HMGl are induced for 2-3 hours and the protein is release by microfluidization in 25 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl, 2 mM CaCl 2 , pH 8.0.
  • the lysed cells are centrifuged at 125,000xg for 1 hour, the filtered supernatant is applied to a calmodulin column in the presence OfCaCl 2 .
  • the column is washed with 2-2.5 column volumes of lysis buffer and then with a linear gradient to 50 mM Tris, 400 mM NaCl, 2 mM CaCl 2 , pH 8.0 in 5 column volumes and the protein is eluted with 100 mM Tris, 400 mM NaCl, 5 mM EGTA, pH 8.0.
  • a TritonXl 14 extraction is used to remove endotoxin.
  • TX-114 is used at a final concentration of 2% and is incubated at 4C for 30 minutes, moved to 37 0 C for 30 minutes and centrifuged to separate the phases. The protein is extracted twice.
  • Nuclear HMGl is prepared from 293H (ATCC number CRL-1573, human kidney, epithelial) cells grown in DMEM with 10% FBS according to protocol from ATCC. Cells were harvested at 80% confluence by the addition of Trypsin/EDTA for less than 1 min at RT. Cell were recovered at once in PBS by gentle flushing of the flask followed by centrifugation at 1100 rpm for 3 min. Cells were washed twice with PBS and transferred to 2ml eppendorf tube at a final concentration about 2 to 5 x 10 7 /ml in PBS and then frozen in liquid nitrogen for 2 minutes followed by a 5-10 minute thaw in water bath at RT.
  • the freeze thaw process was repeated two more times.
  • the lysed cells were centrifuged at 13,000 rpm and the supernatant was removed to a new sterile tube and stored at —70 to -8O 0 C.
  • the amount of supernatant used is based on cell concentration of supernatant prior to freeze thaw.
  • Released HMGl is prepared from the conditioned media of necrotic 293H cells.
  • 293H cells were grown in DMEM medium with 10% FBS for 10 days without changing the medium.
  • the medium is harvested from the flask and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, the supernatant was then passed through a 0.2 um filter and placed into a dialyze bag and dialyzed against concentration solution (PIERCE).
  • concentration solution was changed as needed until the volume of the media was reduced about ten fold.
  • the concentrated medium was then dialyzed against PBS (pH 7.2).
  • the concentration of HMGBl present in the concentrated sample was determined by a sandwich ELISA (see below) using a purified HMGBl as a standard.
  • Activated HMGl is prepared from THP- 1 (ATCC number TIB-202, human monocyte) cells grown in RPMIl 640 (CaW 03-0078DJ) with 10% FBS, 0.05 mM 2- mercaptoethanol according to protocol from ATCC. Cells were treated with LPS at a final concentration of 0.5 ug/ml overnight (14 to 16 hour) when they reached about 4 x 10 5 cells/ml.
  • HMGl Binding Affinity via BIAcore Analysis All experiments were performed on a BIAcore 3000 instrument (BIAcore, Inc., Piscataway, NJ). Briefly, each mAb was immobilized to a CM5 sensor chip using a standard amine coupling chemistry. Separately a reference (control) flow cell was also prepared. Two-fold, serial dilutions of HMGl in instrument buffer were sequentially injected at a slow flow rate over the individual mAb and reference flow-cell surfaces. Following the binding and dissociation of HMGl, the mAbs surfaces were regenerated with a brief pulse of IM NaCl-50mM NaOH. At the end of each experiment, the binding curves were evaluated using a steady-state model available through the BIAevaluation software supplied by BIAcore, Inc. (Piscataway, NJ). The IQ values determined from these studies are listed in Table 1.
  • Sandwich ELISA (soluble HMGl): Immunoplates (EIA/RIA plate, High binding, Costar) were coated with anti human IgG Fc at 10 ⁇ g/ml in PBS (pH 7.2) and incubated at 4 0 C overnight. The coating reagent was removed and the plates were rinsed briefly with PBS. The plates were then blocked with 4% milk for 1 hour at 37 0 C. and rinsed with PBS. The anti-HMGl antibodies were diluted in 4% milk. For serial dilutions, the antibodies were used at a starting concentration of 20 ⁇ g/ml. The diluted anti-HMGl antibodies were then added into plate and incubated for 1 hr at 37 0 C.
  • the plate was then washed 10 times with PBST (PBS/0.1% tween 20) and incubate with antigen (HMGBl, 2 ⁇ g/ml; or 0.7 ⁇ g/ml for native HMGBl) in 4% milk and incubated at 37 0 C for 1 h.
  • the plate was then wash 10 times and incubated with mouse anti-HMGBl, 1 ⁇ g/ml in 4% milk at 37 0 C for 1 h.
  • the plate was washed 10 times and incubated with anti-mouse IgG-HRP at 1 : 1000 at 37 0 C for 1 h.
  • the plate was then washed and developed.
  • HRP activity was detected with Sureblue HRP substrate (KPL). Plates were read at 450 nm using a Kinetic Microplate Reader (Molecular Devices). The data are summarized in Table 1 and representative binding curves are shown in Figures 4B-D.
  • MAbs G2, G4, G9, S6 and Synagis were prepared at IuM and 2uM.
  • AU mAb solutions were prepared in HBS-EP buffer (BIAcore, Inc., Piscataway, NJ). Each cycle started with a 100 ⁇ L injection of the first mAb, injected at 1 ⁇ M, followed by a second 100 ⁇ L injection of a 1:1 mixture of two, 2X concentration mAbs, such that the final concentration of each component mAb in the mixture is equivalent to the first injection. Following each injection cycle, the HMGB-I surfaces were regenerated with a 1 min pulse of 1OmM HCl.
  • HMG2 Ultra high-binding ELISA plates (ThermoLab systems, #3855) were coated with either 5ug/mL of Calf thymus HMGBl or HMBG2 diluted in 1OmM Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.2 and incubate overnight at 4 degrees. The plates were washed twice with Ca and Mg free PBS and 100 microliters of anti-HMGBl antibody diluted in 1 OmM PBS, pH 7.2+1 % bovine serum albumin (BSA) to a final concentration of 10ug/mL was added to each well and the plates were incubated 1 hour at room temperature. The wells were washed three times with 100 ⁇ l of PBS, pH 7.2.
  • PBS Phosphate buffered saline
  • HRP labeled goat-anti-human IgG Kappa-chain (KPL, #14-10-10) and goat-anti-human IgG Lambda-chain (KPL, #14-10-11) were diluted in 1OmM PBS+1% BSA 1:1000 and 100 ⁇ l were added to each well and incubated for 1 hour at room temperature. The wells were then washed three times with 100 ⁇ l of PBS, pH 7.2. OPD substrate (Pierce chemical company, #34006) was prepared following the manufacturers instructions and 100 ⁇ l of prepared substrate was added to each well and the plates incubated at room temperature in the dark for 20-30 minutes.
  • HMGl B Box Peptide Mapping Individual wells of a 96-well immunoplate (EIA/RIA plate, High binding, Costar) were coated with HMGl B Box peptide amino acids 91-169 ( Figure 5A) or amino acids 150-183 ( Figure 5B) at 10 ⁇ g/ml in PBS at 4 0 C overnight. The plate was then blocked with 4% milk powder dissolved in PBS at 37 0 C for 1 hour. The blocking solution was removed and replaced with human anti-HMGl antibodies at various concentrations (see Figures 5A-B).
  • the plate was then washed (ELX-405 Plate washer, BIO- TEK) and secondary antibody (anti-human IgG-HRP, PIERCE) was added at a final concentration of 1 : 125,000 at 37 0 C for 1 hour. HRP activity was detected with Sureblue HRP substrate (KPL). Plates were read at 450 nm using a Kinetic Microplate Reader (Molecular Devices).
  • S 16 binds both recombinant and native HMGl while G4 binds better to native nuclear HMGl and S2, S6 and SlO all show better binding to rHMGl (Figure 4B).
  • S6 doesn't bind well to any native form of HMGl it does bind show some binding of released HMGl ( Figure 4C, top left).
  • S16 and G4 show little difference in binding to the various native forms of HMGl ( Figure 4C, top right and bottom left).
  • the antibodies were tested for cross reactivity to the highly related HMG2 protein. El 1, S 12 and S 16 all showed some binding to HMG2.
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • PBMCs peripheral blood of healthy volunteers by a density gradient centrifugation. Freshly drawn heparinized whole blood was mixed with two volume of PBS. The diluted blood was gently layered on the surface of Histopaque-1077 (Sigma- Aldrich) and centrifuged at 40Ox g, at RT for 30 minute. PBMCs were collected from the interface between the plasma and the density gradient solution. After washing in PBS 3 x, the purified PBMCs were resuspended in RPMI- 1640 medium (GIBCO BRL) containing 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 ⁇ g/ml streptomycin and 50 ⁇ M ⁇ -mercaptoethanol. 1 x 10 5 of cells was added in each well of 96-well cell culture plates.
  • RPMI- 1640 medium Gibco- 1640 medium
  • the PBMCs were incubated for two hours at 37 0 C with 5% CO 2 .
  • recombinant HMGl, at 4 ⁇ g/ml, or native activated HMGl from 2.4x10 5 LPS stimulated THP-I cells, and different concentrations of human anti-HMGB-1 monoclonal antibodies, a RAGE-Fc fusion protein or an HMGl A-box-Fc fusion protein were added into each well.
  • the culture media was supplemented with 8 U/ml (1 ⁇ g/ml) Polymyxin B sulphate (Sigma- Aldrich) to inhibit potential endotoxin.
  • PBMCs from the same donor without stimulation with HMGl were used as controls.
  • the cell-free culture media were harvested after 14 hours and stored at -2O 0 C.
  • the culture media were analyzed for inflammatory cytokines using Beadlyte human multi-cytokine flex kit from Upstate by LuminexlOO (Luminex Corp.).
  • Proinflammatory cytokines TNF- ⁇ , IL-6, IL-I ⁇ and IL- 12 (p40) were measured for cells stimulated with recombinant HMGl .
  • TNF- ⁇ , IL-6, IL-I ⁇ and IL-8 were measured for cells stimulated with native activated HMGl .
  • Cytokine release data is presented as mean of triplicates ⁇ standard deviations.
  • IC 50 for anti-HMGBl monoclonal antibody is defined as the concentration of antibody required yielding one-half maximal inhibition of the cytokine release from PBMCs stimulated by HMGB 1. It was calculated by PRISM program.
  • Macrophages employed in the NO assay included RAW cells (mouse macrophage cell line), as well as bone marrow-derived macrophages (niBMMf) obtained from C57BL/6 mice.
  • the mBMMf were used after maturing for 3 days in culture in the presence of M-CSF ("fresh mBMMf).
  • Cells were plated at 10 5 cells/well into 96- well plates and stimulated with HMGl over night in 100 ⁇ l of serum-free a-medium.
  • HMGB-I 5 ⁇ g/ml
  • LPS (1 ⁇ g/ml) were used as positive controls to stimulate NO production by the macrophages at various concentrations; dose dependent response observed with these stimuli.
  • Antibodies were tested at a molar ration of 4:1 against HMGl. The next day plates are spun at 1500 rpm for 5 min and the supernatant is harvested. To another 96- well plate the following components are mixed, A50 ⁇ l of stimulated supernatant and standards (diluted in a-medium), 25 ⁇ l of NADH, 25 ⁇ l of Nitrate Reductase, 50 ⁇ l of Griess Reagent I and the plate is incubated for 30 min. at 37OC. Then 50 ⁇ l of Griess Reagent II is added to each well and the plate is incubated for 10 minutes at room temp. The absorbance of each well is read at 540 nm and the values of Nitrate are calculated against a standard curve.
  • HMGBl recombinant CBP-HMGBl fusion protein generated from E. coli at 10 ⁇ g/ml
  • mouse-RAGE-Fc or human-RAGE-Fc fusion protein were pre-mixed with various blocking reagents at 100 ⁇ g/ml in ⁇ -MEM for 20 min at RT, then 100 ⁇ l of the mixtures was added to the cells and incubated at 37°C for 2 hours. The supernatant was then removed, and the RNA was extracted using Ambion's MagMAXTM-96 Total RNA Isolation Kit.
  • RNA was used in a reverse transcriptase (RT) reaction with SuperscriptTM III and oligo(dT) primer (Invitrogen) for synthesis of cDNA. 1 ⁇ l or 2 ⁇ l of the resulting cDNA was used for real time quantitative PCR analysis (TaqMan) using ABI Prism 7700 or 7000. 6.3.2 Results
  • FIG. 6A-B Representative HMGl -induced cytokine release titration curves for several antibodies are shown in Figure 6A-B. IC 50 values were calculated for each antibody examined (see Table 1). A few antibodies were also tested for their ability to block native activated HMGl (from LPS stimulated THP-I cells, see above). El 1, S16 and S17 along with the RAGE-Fc fusion protein were able to block IL-6 released induced by native activated HMGl while S6, S 13, G4 and G9 were less effective (Figure 6C). The results of these studies and numerous other studies for which the data are not shown are summarized in Table 1. It is apparent that several antibodies are capable of inhibiting cytokine release at low antibody concentrations.
  • S6 is among the best inhibitor of IL-I ⁇ , TNF- ⁇ , IL-6 and NO release while G4 is the best inhibitor of IL- 12.
  • G4 is the best inhibitor of IL- 12.
  • G2 was also examined for their ability to inhibit rHMGl -induced cytokine gene expression in isolated mouse macrophages (mM0).
  • El 1 G2 and G4 were able to significantly reduce HMGl-induced IL-Ib gene expression ( Figure 7, left and Table I)).
  • G2 was also able to significantly reduce HMGl-induced TNF- ⁇ gene expression ( Figure 7, right and Table 1).
  • Several antibodies were chosen for further analysis to determine their effect on HMGl binding to cell surface receptors.
  • Both RAGE and TLR4 have been identified as putative receptors for HMGl .
  • human anti-HMGl antibodies are capable of blocking the interaction of HMGl with one or more of these putative receptors
  • several of the human anti-HMGl antibodies were assayed for their ability to block HMGl binding to a RAGE-Fc fusion in an ELISA assay ( Figure 8) and/or for their ability to block HMGl-induced activation of TLR4 in a cell reporter system ( Figure 9).
  • the ability of the human anti-HMGl antibodies to specifically block the binding of HMGl to the cell surface of THP-I cells was also demonstrated (Figure 10).
  • HMGl binding to THP-I Cells: Recombinant rat HMGB- 1 was labeled using
  • THP-I were cultured as the protocol from ATCC. Cells were harvested and suspended at concentration 1 x 10 6 /ml in assay buffer containing Ix DELFIA L*R binding buffer (PerkinElmer), 50% of DELFIA stabilizer (PerkinElmer) and 0.05% of sodium azide. 100 ⁇ l of cells (1 x 10 5 ) was added into wells in 96 well cell culture plate. The plate was incubated with gentle shaking at 4 °C for one hour.
  • HMGl binding to RAGE-Is by ELISA 50 ⁇ l/well of RAGE-Fc fusion protein at 5 ⁇ g/ml in PBS was added to each well of an ELISA plate and incubated overnight at 4 0 C. The plate was then blocked with 200 ⁇ l of 5% milk at 37 0 C for lhr and washed 3x with PBS/Tween. 50 ⁇ l/well of diluted HMGBl solution. For dose curves, HMGBl concentrations started at 4ug/ml in PBS. For antibody blocking the HMGBl was preincubated in another plate with human anti-HMGl antibodies or buffer, then transferred to the RAGE-coated plate.
  • TLR4 Activation Assay HuTLR4 and CD 14 stably expressed 293 cells (Invitrogen) were seeded in a 96 well plate at 2xlO 4 /well in 100 ⁇ l of DMEM with 10% FCS overnight. Cells were then transfected with NF- ⁇ B/Luc (Stratagene) luciferase reporter construct as indicated by the kit for 24 hr. A mixture of HMGBl and anti-HMGBl was added to cells at 100 ⁇ l/well overnight. The luciferase activity was then measured to reflect TLR.4 activation (Promega).
  • mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a well characterized model of sepsis caused by perforating a surgically-created cecal diverticulum, that leads to polymicrobial peritonitis and sepsis (Fink and Heard, supra; Wichmann et al., supra; and Remick et al., supra).
  • CLP cecal ligation and puncture
  • the survival rates for mice treated with several human anti- HMGl antibodies was compared to mice treated with isotype control antibodies.
  • Several human anti-HMGl antibodies demonstrated significant protection in the CLP model including G4, S6 and Sl 6 ( Figure 1 IA-D and Table 1).
  • Anti-HMGl antibodies or isotype control antibodies (50 ⁇ g/mouse in a 200 ⁇ l volume), were administered intraperitoneally at 24 and 48 hours, post surgery.
  • anti-HMGl antibodies or isotype control antibodies (8 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally at 24 hours, post surgery ( Figure 1 IC-D).
  • Figure 1 IA and 1 IB The survival curve generated by combining several representative experiments where the antibodies were delivered at 8 mg/kg 24 hours post surgery.
  • HMGl is Upregulated in Animal Models of Several Inflammatory Conditions [0335] Serum HMGl levels have been shown to increase during sepsis/septic shock, in humans. We examined the level of HMGl protein and/or gene expression in a number of different animal models of inflammatory disease including several arthritis models, acute lung injury and peritonitis. In all models thus far examined we found that HMGl levels rise with disease progression. In addition, we found that the levels of several cytokines and/or putative HMGl receptor molecules also rise.
  • Induction of Inflammatory Disease Please see below for detailed description for the methods used for the induction of each disease model. The levels of HMGl and the various cytokines were examined in untreated animals in which disease had been induced and compared to normal animals.
  • HMGl Levels in the Passive CIA Mouse The front paws of normal or passive CIA mice were collected at day 10, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -8O 0 C until assayed. Joint sample and lysis buffer was added to impact-resistant 2 ml tubes pre-filled with specialized lysing matrix A particles (Q biogene). The joint was homogenized with a FastPrep® homogenizer then centrifuged. The supernatant was collected and the HMGl level was determined by ELISA using MesoScale technology (Meso Scale Discovery). The data shown in Figure 12A are the average of five paws in each group.
  • HMGl Levels in the AIA Rat The hind paws of AIA rats were harvested at day 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -8O 0 C until assayed. The AIA joints were processed and assayed using the same protocol as was used for the passive CIA Mouse above. The level of HMGl present in the joint homogenate is plotted over time in Figure 12D (upper right graph). Two key indicators of disease progression, joint inflammation and weight loss are also plotted (upper left and lower left graphs, respectively) .
  • HMGl and Cytokine Levels in Mouse Sera After S. Aureus challenge Serum from mice challenged with S. aureus was collected at 2, 8, and 12 hours post challenge. The levels of HMGl, IL-Ib and TNF-a were determined by ELISA using MesoScale technology (Meso Scale Discovery). The levels of HMGl, IL-Ib and TNF-a are plotted over time ( Figure 12E). Note the different scales used for HMGl and the cytokines (right and left axes, respectively. Mice challenged with galactosamine alone or receiving no challenge did not show a similar increase in HMGl or cytokines (data not shown).
  • HMGl Levels in the BAL fluid of the ALI Mouse BAL fluid from mice challenged with either PBS (control) or LPS (lung injury) were harvested at the indicated times after challenge and the level of HMGl was determined by MesoScale ELISA. The level of HMGl is plotted over time ( Figure 12F, left plot). The total cell count present, an indicator of disease progression, is plotted over time as well ( Figure 12F, right plot).
  • HMGl Levels in the AIA Rat Post Treatment The hind paws of AIA rats after treatment (see Experiment 9, below) were processed as above and the levels of HMGl, IL-6 and TNF-a were determined by MesoScale ELISA..
  • HMGl detection primary antibody was Affinity Rabbit anti-HMGBl polyclonal antibody (Becton Dickinson Biosciences, Cat # 556528) and detection antibody was goat anti-rabbit MSD detection antibody (MSD, Cat # R32AB-1).
  • TLR9 levels only increased in the hind paws (7 fold).
  • the expression levels of the cytokines IL-Ib, IL-6 and TNF-a showed a similar trend increasing by 39, 145 and 7 fold, respectively in the front paws and by a more dramatic 247, 361 and 76 fold, respectively in the hind paws.
  • HMGl levels in the joint homogenates rose from undetectable levels to over 200 ng/ml by day 15 when joint inflammation was the most severe (compare Figure 12D, left and right graphs). When inflammation decreased at about day 20, a corresponding decrease in HMGl levels was also seen. [0345] Two other disease models were also examined.
  • Figure 12E shows the consistent rise in HMGl levels over time starting at about 2 hours post challenge in the S. aureus model of peritonitis.
  • the levels of TNF-a and IL-6 rise sharply immediately after challenge, with the level of TNF-a peaking at 2 hours, dropping and then rising again at about 9 hour post challenge.
  • IL-6 levels peak at about 2 hours and then generally hold steady with only a slight increase after that.
  • HMGl levels in BAL fluid were since to rise from undetectable levels to over 1500 ng/ml by 48 hour post LPS challenge (Figure 12F, left graph).
  • HMGl levels correlates with the increase in cellular infiltrate (total cell numbers) present in the BAL fluid from LPS challenged mice (compare Figure 12F left and right graphs). HMG levels were undetectable in the BAL fluid from mice challenged with PBS buffer ( Figure 12F left graph). These studies indicate that the level of HMGl increases with disease progression in a number of inflammatory disease models including three arthritis models an acute lung injury model and a peritonitis model. Several human anti-HMGl antibodies were chosen for further study in these models to demonstrate that anti-HMGl antibodies are useful in other inflammatory diseases associated with an increase in HMGl levels.
  • mice were immunized with 2 mg/mouse of anti-collage mAb cocktail (Chemicon # ECMl 100, 10 mg/ml) intravenously, i.v. at tail. Mice were subsequently injected with 50 ⁇ g LPS/mouse, i.p. on day 3. Each experiment had several groups of animals as follows: groups A-E in experiment 1, groups G- J in experiment 2 and groups L-N). An additional group of mice (groups F, K and O) were untreated as normal controls. The following treatments were administered as shown in Table 4.
  • Histology Hind-limb tibiotalus joints from each animal were evaluated and scored for histologic changes as described in Badger et al., 2001, Arthritis & Rheumatism 44:128-37. Briefly, animals were sacrificed on day 32 and the hind legs were fixed in formaline and decalcified in Cal-Rite (Richard-Allen Scientific, Kalamazoo, MI). The paws were then removed from the legs at the distal tibial diaphysis. After routine processing, the samples were embedded and coronal sections were cut in the plane midway through the tibiotalus and talartarsal joints. Sections were stained with Safranin O and counterstained with fast Green (data not shown).
  • FIG. 13A shows the paw inflammation scores for each of the treatment groups over the course of the study.
  • Figure 13B shows the total histological scores for bone, cartilage and inflammation for the prevention model of CIA. It is important to note that in this model the fore paws are a more predictable indicator of disease state as the hind paws can be variably affected.
  • Figure 13C is the histological scores for bone, cartilage and inflammation for just the fore paws alone.
  • the administration of human IgG had no effect on the development of arthritis.
  • the anti-HMGl S6 antibody treated animals have greatly reduced bone , cartilage and total inflammation scores compared to the control animals.
  • Another clinical feature of disease progression in this model is weight loss.
  • the relative body weight scores for the control animal show a net decrease during the course of the study.
  • the clinical scores for the mice treated with anti-HMGl G4 antibody showed significant protection, this group of animals also showed a net decrease in bodyweight.
  • the anti-HMGl G4 antibody treated animals did not lose as much as the control group.
  • AIA Adjuvant Induced Arthritis
  • the human anti-HMGl antibody G4, the A-box-Fc fusion and the hulgG isotype control were administered at 10 mg/kg, every 3 days, day 0-15.
  • Methotrexate was administered at 0.8 mg/kg, every 6 days, day 0-15 and Renbrel was administered at either 2.5 mg/kg every two days, day 0-15 for treatment group 5 or at 4 mg/kg, every 3 days, day 0-15 for treatment group 6.
  • Rats are euthanized at day 21, or sooner if total clinical score reaches 80 and a histological evaluation of joints is performed.
  • AIA rats were treated with either PBS, anti-HMGl antibody G4, an isotype control antibody (HuIgG) at 10 mg/kg, every three days or Renbrel at 2.5 mg./kg, every two days starting on day 21.
  • AIA rats were treated with methotrexate in combination with several other therapies including Renbrel, G4 or HuIgG.
  • AIA rats were also treated with an HMGl A-box-Fc fusion protein. The development of arthritis was assessed daily.
  • the graphs in Figure 16A show the paw inflammation scores for each of the antibody or Renbrel alone treatment groups as well as the PBS and normal control groups over the course of the study.
  • the administration of human IgG had no effect on the development of arthritis.
  • the anti-HMGl G4 antibody treated animals have greatly reduced inflammation scores compared to the control animals. Strikingly, the animals treated with the anti-HMGl G4 antibody did significantly better then those treated with Renbrel therapy alone ( Figure 16A compare left and right panels). An approximately 30% reduction in clinical scores was seen for the anti-HMGl G4 animals while only an approximately 25% reduction was seen for the Renbrel treated animals.
  • the graphs in Figure 16B show the paw inflammation scores over time for the combination therapy treatment groups for comparison the antibody alone and HMGl A-box- Fc fusion protein treatment groups are also included.
  • the A-Box-Fc fusion protein alone reduced inflammation scores but was less effective than G4 alone.
  • the combination of and Renbrel reduced inflammation scores compared to G4 alone.
  • the MTX was likely the largest contributor to this reduction as the combination of MTX and the HuIgG control antibody showed a similar reduction in inflammation as the MTX/Renbrel combination.
  • the combination of MTX and G4 was even more effective then even the MTX/Renbrel combination, reducing inflammation scores to nearly normal.
  • the reduction in paw inflammation scores seen for the various treatment groups correlated with a reduction in the levels of HMGl, IL-6 and TNF-a seen in the joint of AIA rats (see Figure 12G).
  • Induction of Peritonitis Four-six week old female BALB/c mice were used. An initial study with mice challenged i.p. with heat inactivated S. aureus premixed with galactosamine demonstrated that the LD 1O0 was between IxIO 7 and IxIO 9 cells (data not shown). For determination of HMGl levels on day 0 approximately 10 9 heat inactivated S. aureus (strain 8325-4) cells premixed with 20 mg of galactosamine or galactosamine alone in a 200 ⁇ l volume of PBS was administered i.p. A third group of animals was not challenged.
  • Anti-HMGl Antibodies Reduce Cellular Infiltration Associated with Acute Lung Injury
  • LPS E. coli strain 0111 :B4... Sigma, St. Louis, MO
  • isoflurane Baxter Pharmaceuticals, Deerfield, IL
  • mice were euthanized by CO 2 asphyxiation at 4, 8, 24, 32 and 48 hours post LPS administration, and BronchoAlveolar Lavarge (BAL) and other samples collected for protein analysis and histopathology.
  • anti-HMGBl antibodies, HMGl A-box Fc fusion or controls were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a dose of 10 mg/kg in lOOul volumes.
  • animals were euthanized by CO 2 asphyxiation and samples (BALs, blood, and lungs) collected for analysis.
  • BAL Sample Collection lungs were flushed three times with ⁇ 0.8ml Phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2, GIBCO, Rockville, MD) using a syringe with a catheter tubing. BAL samples collected were centrifuged at l,200rpm for lOmin at 4C, supernatant collected and stored at -80C for protein (eg. HMGBl) quantitation, and cells in pellet were resuspended and transferred to cytoslides, fixed, GIEMSA stained, and BAL cellularity determined visually with the aid of a microscope. 6.10.2 Results
  • HMGl A-box a known competitive inhibitor of HMG proinflammatory action, only reduced infiltration by about 23% compared to controls, hi contrast G4 and El l were seen to reduce the total cellular infiltrate present in the BAL fluid by 37%-40% compared to controls, demonstrating that anti-HMGl antibodies are useful for the treatment of acute lung injury.
  • HMGB staining patterns were examined in MS plaques from human brain tissue using the Gl 6 human anti-HMGB antibody. Plaques with demyelination and numerous activated microglia as well as plaques with predominantly demyelination, few activated microglia and numerous lymphocytes were examined. Figure 19A shows the low level of background staining in Plaques with demyelination and numerous activated microglia using an isotype control antibody. HMGBl was detected in the cytoplasm of microglia by human mAb Gl 6 in human brain tissue from MS patients.
  • Plaques with demyelination and numerous activated microglia show extensive staining in the cytoplasm of microglia and in the interstitial of the demyelination (Figure 19B). hi contrast, plaques with predominantly demyelination, few activated microglia and numerous lymphocytes showed little or no staining (Figure 19C) when probed with the human mAb Gl 6. These results reinforce the critical role of HMGBl as an extracellular modulator of inflammation, and indicate that HMGBl is likely involved in the inflammatory process of MS.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne des compositions et des procédés destinés à inhiber la libération d'une cytokine pro-inflammatoire par une cellule de vertébré et à inhiber une cascade de cytokine inflammatoire chez un patient. Les compositions comprennent par exemple des anticorps d'affinité élevée qui se lient spécifiquement à la HMG1 et à des fragments antigéniques de celle-ci. Les anticorps d'affinité élevée de la présente invention et les compositions pharmaceutiques qui les comprennent ont de nombreuses utilisations, par exemple en tant que traitements contre un large éventail de maladies et de troubles inflammatoires tels que la sepsie, la polyarthrite rhumatoïde, la péritonite, la maladie de Crohn, la lésion de reperfusion, la septicémie, le choc endotoxinique, la mucoviscidose, l'endocardite, le psoriasis, le psoriasis arthropathique, l'arthrite, le choc anaphylactique, l'ischémie organique et le rejet des allogreffes. En outre, les anticorps d'affinité élevée de la présente invention peuvent être utilisés dans le diagnostic.
PCT/US2005/037734 2004-10-22 2005-10-21 Anticorps d'affinité élevée contre la hmgb1 et procédés d'utilisation WO2007001422A2 (fr)

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CN2005800415460A CN101132811B (zh) 2004-10-22 2005-10-21 抗hmgb1的高亲和力抗体及其用法
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JP2008520552A (ja) 2008-06-19
AU2005333602B2 (en) 2012-04-12
CN102731654A (zh) 2012-10-17
CN101132811B (zh) 2012-05-30
WO2007001422A3 (fr) 2007-11-15
CN101132811A (zh) 2008-02-27
AU2005333602A1 (en) 2007-01-04
US20060099207A1 (en) 2006-05-11
KR20070090890A (ko) 2007-09-06
EP1812065A4 (fr) 2009-09-02
US8153131B2 (en) 2012-04-10
EP1812065A2 (fr) 2007-08-01
US7585504B2 (en) 2009-09-08
US20100061987A1 (en) 2010-03-11

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